Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — A chaotic scene unfolded late Saturday night as a disturbance led to a police-involved shooting, injuring at least 11 people and resulting in the death of one suspect. The incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. on North Ocean Boulevard, a bustling area known for its nightlife and entertainment.
According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, officers responded to reports of multiple individuals involved in an altercation. During the incident, one individual allegedly fired a weapon, prompting a police officer to discharge their firearm. The officer was unharmed, but the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jerrius Davis from Bennettsville, succumbed to injuries sustained in the exchange.
Local officials have announced that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In addition, the Myrtle Beach Police Department is performing an internal review. The police chief previously highlighted a significant reduction in major crimes in the area, attributing this progress to enhanced surveillance and community policing initiatives.
Mayor Brenda Bethune, who was in the area during the incident, emphasized the officer’s quick response, stating it likely prevented further harm. “The officer acted swiftly when he recognized the potential for danger,” she said. “We are fortunate that the situation did not escalate further.”
The mayor reassured residents and visitors alike, calling the shooting an isolated event not reflective of the overall safety of the city. “Myrtle Beach is a great destination,” she said. “We cannot allow fear to overshadow our experiences here, especially as we enter our busy tourist season.”
Councilman Gregg Smith echoed the mayor’s sentiments, remarking that incidents like this are rare and do not represent the experience most visitors have. “It’s unfortunate that people resort to violence,” he stated. “However, this does not define our community.”
Visitor Sebastian McMillon from Washington, D.C., expressed his intent to continue traveling to Myrtle Beach despite the incident. “We live in a world where we can’t control everything,” he said. “We have to focus on enjoying our vacation and making memories, not letting fear dictate our travels.”
The mayor noted that the SLED’s investigation could take up to three weeks, and emphasized the importance of transparency as they work to release information regarding the incident. “With the rise of social media, misinformation can spread quickly,” she said. “It’s essential we provide the facts to dispel any rumors.”
In the wake of the incident, South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace expressed her sorrow on social media, calling for community resilience. “I am heartbroken for the victims and their families,” she wrote. “We stand united against violence, and our thoughts are with those impacted by this tragic event.”
As Myrtle Beach prepares for the upcoming tourism season, city officials remain committed to ensuring safety and addressing community concerns. With ongoing efforts to improve public security measures, they aim to reaffirm Myrtle Beach as a welcoming destination for visitors.