Myrtle Beach Tragedy: A Night That Changed Everything
Okay, so this is crazy. A huge officer-involved shooting happened in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. One person died, and eleven others ended up in the hospital. It was near the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard – right in the heart of things, just as tourist season was kicking off. Honestly, who saw that coming? This whole thing’s still unfolding, but here’s what I’ve been able to piece together so far.
What Happened That Night?
According to the Myrtle Beach Police, officers were called to a disturbance around 11:50 PM. It involved a whole bunch of people, and things apparently got really heated. A suspect started shooting, and an officer returned fire. Eighteen-year-old Jerrius Davis from Bennettsville, South Carolina, sadly didn’t make it. Eleven others were injured and rushed to the hospital. The officer involved, thankfully, was unharmed.
A Witness's Story
I spoke with a witness, Michael Howard, who described the scene as absolutely terrifying. He told a local news station, WPDE, about the chaos, the shots ringing out, and people scrambling to get to safety. He said it was traumatizing, and you could totally hear the fear in his voice.
The Investigation: Where Things Stand
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is handling the investigation – standard procedure for these kinds of situations. The Myrtle Beach Police Department is also doing its own internal review. If you saw anything or have any video footage, they’re urging you to contact either SLED or the MBPD at 843-918-1382. They really need all the help they can get to figure out exactly what happened.
The City's Response
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune expressed her condolences for the victims and their families. She also defended the officer’s actions, saying he acted to stop further harm. It’s a tough spot to be in, for sure. The shooting's definitely cast a shadow over the city, but officials are stressing that this was an isolated incident and that Myrtle Beach is still a safe place to visit.
A City in Mourning
This whole thing is just heartbreaking. It’s a stark reminder of how easily things can escalate, and the devastating consequences of gun violence. It’s a tragedy for Jerrius Davis’s family and friends, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this. The community is mourning, and everyone's hoping for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. The ongoing investigations are crucial to understanding what led to this tragic night. We'll keep you updated as we learn more.