A Myrtle Beach officer-involved shooting left one dead and eleven injured. SLED is investigating; the mayor defended the officer's actions, citing prevention of further harm.


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Myrtle Beach Shooting: One Dead, 11 Injured in Officer-Involved Incident

A tragic officer-involved shooting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, left one person dead and eleven others injured on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The incident, which unfolded near the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard, sent shockwaves through the popular tourist destination, just as the peak season was beginning. This article details the events of that night and the ongoing investigation.

The Events of April 26th

According to Myrtle Beach Police, officers responded to a disturbance involving multiple individuals around 11:50 PM. During the altercation, a suspect opened fire, prompting an officer to return fire. Eighteen-year-old Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville, South Carolina, was fatally struck by police gunfire. Eleven others sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The officer involved was unharmed.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness Michael Howard described the scene as "traumatizing," recounting the panic as shots rang out and people fell to the ground. His account, shared with local news station WPDE, highlights the chaos and fear experienced by those present.

Investigation Underway

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, a standard procedure for officer-involved incidents. The Myrtle Beach Police Department is also conducting an internal review. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage to contact SLED or the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382.

Community Reaction

Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, while expressing sorrow for the victims, defended the officer's actions, stating that the officer acted swiftly to prevent further harm. The incident has cast a shadow over the city, but officials emphasize that it's an isolated incident and that Myrtle Beach remains a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors.

Conclusion

The Myrtle Beach shooting is a tragic reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence. While the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured. The incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and ensure the safety of our communities. For updates on the investigation, continue to monitor official statements from SLED and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

FAQ

One person died as a result of the Myrtle Beach police officer-involved shooting. Eleven others sustained injuries.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The mayor defended the officer's actions, stating that they prevented further harm, though the specific details of this justification are not yet public.

Information regarding arrests is not yet publicly available as the SLED investigation is ongoing. Updates will likely be shared as the investigation progresses.

Concerns regarding police brutality and the use of excessive force have been raised in the wake of the shooting, particularly given the number of civilian casualties.

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