One person has died and nearly a dozen others sustained injuries in a shooting involving police at a popular tourist spot in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. local time when officers were near the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard and witnessed a confrontation among several individuals. During this altercation, someone fired a weapon, prompting an officer at the scene to respond by discharging their firearm.
The individual shot by the officer later succumbed to their injuries, while eleven others were injured and are currently receiving medical care. Fortunately, the officer who fired their weapon was unharmed.
A witness described the scene as “traumatizing,” recounting how nearby individuals dropped to the ground amidst the chaos. One witness, Michael Howard, said he heard gunshots and saw a girl who had been injured, along with the man who was shot, fall to the ground. “It was just very traumatizing,” he remarked.
The shooting happened near a location where police are stationed as part of Myrtle Beach’s Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan, which closed off certain streets during busy weekend nights.
Authorities from both the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are asking anyone with information or videos related to the incident to come forward. “Our hearts and continued prayers are with all those affected,” the department expressed.
The police department did not provide additional comments immediately after the incident.
