South Carolina police search for suspects in North Myrtle Beach mass shooting
South Carolina authorities continue to search for the suspect or suspects who carried out a mass shooting that left 11 people injured on Sunday evening in North Myrtle Beach.
The Horry County Police Department described the shooting as an isolated incident stemming from an altercation on a charter boat during a private Memorial Day gathering.
A total of 10 victims sustained gunshot wounds and another person reported an unknown injury not related to gunfire, the police department said in a Monday press release. Some victims were recovered from the water, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department (NMBPD) said.
“Of those, the worst of the injured are in critical but stable condition at area hospitals,” Horry County police said in a press release.
MASS SHOOTING INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA AS VICTIMS FLOOD LOCAL HOSPITALS
Eleven victims were transported to hospitals after a mass shooting in Horry County. (Horry County Police)
Videos and photos posted to social media on Sunday evening showed a heavy police presence in the area of Harbourgate Marina, a popular spot for local boat owners and tourists going on charter boat trips.
NMBPD also said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating a separate incident involving a responding North Myrtle Beach officer who was injured with his own firearm.
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Horry County police say 11 people were injured in a mass shooting at the Harbourgate Marina in North Myrtle Beach on May 25. (Horry County PD)
“A NMBPD Officer was entering a gate to the dock when his rifle discharged twice, with one of the rounds striking his leg,” the department said in its press release. “At the time of the discharge, the Officer had both of his hands on the gate, which was confirmed by later video evidence. Due to the Officer not attempting to utilize his weapon at the time, all Officers on scene believed that shots were being fired from the marina area.”
The officer was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery for his injuries.
MASS SHOOTING IN MYRTLE BEACH TOURIST HOTSPOT LEAVES 1 DEAD, 11 WOUNDED
The Horry County Police Department is asking locals to steer clear following reports of a mass shooting. (Horry County Fire Rescue)
Video footage obtained from a witness apparently shows the incident, and authorities determined that “the discharge was from the wounded Officer’s rifle,” and the scene was released to SLED.
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Horry County police said the shooting remains under investigation, and “there is currently no associated risk to the community.”
Crime concerns in and around Myrtle Beach have been heightened since April 26, when a shooting in the Myrtle Beach entertainment district left the shooter dead and 11 victims injured. Myrtle Beach officials described the shooting as an isolated incident at the time.