Myrtle Beach: A Night of Chaos and Quick Police Action

Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist destination in South Carolina, experienced a shocking event late Saturday night. A mass shooting broke out, leaving 11 individuals hurt. The incident unfolded around 11:50 PM on North Ocean Boulevard. Police were quick to respond to the disturbance, which involved numerous people. One person, identified later as Jerrius Davis, opened fire during the altercation. An officer, seeing the danger, fired back. Davis was fatally injured, but the officer remained unharmed. The Myrtle Beach Police Department shared updates on their Facebook page. They mentioned that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) would conduct an independent investigation. At the same time, the police department would review the incident internally. This double-check ensures that all angles are covered and that justice is served. Mayor Brenda Bethune spoke to the media about the incident. She praised the officer's swift action, stating that it likely saved lives. She also addressed the public's concerns about safety. Bethune emphasized that this was an isolated incident and that Myrtle Beach remains a safe place to visit. She acknowledged the role of social media in spreading misinformation but assured the public that the facts would be made clear once the investigation is complete. The shooting occurred in the city's entertainment district, just as the tourism season was beginning. Despite the incident, visitors like Sebastian McMillon from Washington, D. C. , remain undeterred. He plans to continue visiting Myrtle Beach, highlighting that trouble can happen anywhere, and it shouldn't stop people from enjoying their vacations. Councilman Gregg Smith echoed this sentiment, noting that such incidents are rare and do not reflect the typical Myrtle Beach experience. Police Chief Amy Prock had previously reported a significant decrease in major crimes since 2015. She credited this improvement to enhanced surveillance, larger neighborhood teams, and advanced technology. This progress shows that Myrtle Beach is actively working to maintain a safe environment for both residents and tourists. The mayor also noted that she was on Ocean Boulevard around the time of the incident, further emphasizing the city's ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.