Ocean Boulevard gunfire: What we all know concerning the Myrtle Beach mass capturing that left one lifeless | EUROtoday

Myrtle Beach is recovering after a mass capturing left one lifeless and 11 individuals harm over the weekend.

Shortly earlier than midnight Saturday, police within the well-liked South Carolina resort city noticed a disturbance with a number of individuals alongside Ocean Boulevard. The highway is a well-liked gathering spot for vacationers alongside the seashore that includes many retailers and eating places.

Video obtained by News13 confirmed individuals frantically operating for his or her lives from the scene as police approached a scuffle that was gunfire. Police responded and shot at one of many suspects.

“At that time, based on the immediate threat, one of our officers responded by discharging their firearm,” a Myrtle Beach Police Department assertion learn.

The officer concerned was not injured, however the suspect was shot lifeless.

“Our hearts and continued prayers are with all those affected, as well as their loved ones during this difficult time,” it added.

On Sunday night time, police acknowledged that “All Ocean Boulevard traffic is reopened.”

Here is what we all know concerning the newest capturing on Ocean Boulevard and the individuals concerned:

Where and when did it occur?

Officers “observed a disturbance involving multiple individuals” on the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard, a police assertion mentioned.

One particular person fired a weapon throughout an “altercation,” prompting an officer to reply by discharging their firearm. The unnamed officer wasn’t injured, however the suspect died on account of their accidents.

Mayor Brenda Bethune advised News13: “This was an isolated incident.

“We had a huge crowd on the boulevard late last night, and we can’t always control what people are going to do, but we also can’t just shut ourselves in and do nothing,” she mentioned. “This is a great place to visit. It’s not an unsafe place at all. And I’m not making light of what happened in any way.”

Myrtle Beach is pitched as the right “Springtime Getaway” for households seeking to catch a glimpse of the solar with heat days and cooler evenings. Water temperatures common at round 63 levels, making it a perfect spot for paddleboarders or beach-seekers.

Who was the shooter?

Jerrius Davis, of Bennettsville, was recognized because the attacker by Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard on Sunday, reported News13. Bennettsville is roughly 90 miles away from the coastal city.

The 18-year-old allegedly fired a weapon within the heart of Myrtle Beach’s leisure district, simply because the tourism season was ramping up.

By the time police shot David lifeless, no less than 11 individuals had been wounded.

The motive for the assault stays unclear at this stage.

“The individual shot during officer response has passed away as a result of their injuries,” Myrtle Beach police mentioned on Facebook. “At that time, based on the immediate threat, one of our officers responded by discharging their firearm. The officer involved was not injured,” it continued.

An investigation is ongoing.

Councilman Gregg Smith advised News13: “It’s very unfortunate that people feel they need to solve their problems with guns but it’s an isolated incident and not indicative of the reality that most Myrtle Beach visitors encounter.”

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will present future updates associated to this case. Simultaneously, the Myrtle Beach Police Department declared it will perform an inside overview of the incident – which is commonplace process.

How many individuals have been injured?

As of Monday, 11 individuals had sustained accidents and have been receiving medical remedy. None of their names have been launched.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as both investigations proceed, and all leads are thoroughly examined,” Myrtle police mentioned.

The situations of the victims stay unclear at this stage.

“Unfortunately, with social media, there’s going to be a lot of comments being said that are not true, and (people) trying to make more out of this, and we want to get the facts out so that people know what has happened,” Bethune mentioned.

Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace mentioned she was “devastated” by the information.

“Devastated by the tragic shooting in Myrtle Beach,” she wrote on X. “Our hearts are torn apart for the victims and their families. South Carolina stands strong, and we will not tolerate violence of any sort in our communities. God bless the first responders on the scene.”

The Independent contacted the Myrtle Beach Police Department and state officers for an replace on the incident.