A quiet Saturday night in Myrtle Beach turned deadly when a chaotic disturbance erupted into gunfire, leaving an 18-year-old dead and eleven others injured in what authorities are now investigating as an officer-involved shooting. The incident, which unfolded near the bustling 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard just before midnight, has sent shockwaves through the community as law enforcement works to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome.
According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, officers were called to the scene shortly before 11:50 p.m. following reports of a large altercation. Witnesses described a rapidly escalating situation, with tensions boiling over as the crowd grew increasingly unruly. At some point during the confrontation, authorities say an individual—later identified as Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville—was seen firing a weapon. In response, an MBPD officer discharged their firearm, striking Davis. Despite immediate medical attention, the young man succumbed to his injuries.
The chaos did not end there. Eleven other individuals were injured in the incident, though the exact nature and severity of their wounds remain undisclosed. Emergency responders rushed the victims to nearby hospitals, where some are still receiving treatment. The officer involved in the shooting was unharmed, and police have not confirmed whether any other officers were injured during the confrontation.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings to ensure impartiality. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about additional details, only confirming that the case remains active and urging witnesses to come forward with any information or video footage that could shed light on the incident. Ocean Boulevard, which was temporarily closed as investigators combed the area for evidence, has since reopened to traffic.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Myrtle Beach Police Department released a statement expressing profound sorrow. “The Myrtle Beach Police Department offers its prayers and deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this incident,” the agency said. The loss of Davis, a young man whose life was cut short under violent circumstances, has left family members and community leaders grappling with grief and searching for answers.
Local residents and business owners in the popular tourist district described a scene of confusion and fear as gunfire erupted in an area typically filled with visitors enjoying the coastal nightlife. Some witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, though it remains unclear whether all the injuries stemmed from the initial altercation or the subsequent police response.
This incident marks yet another officer-involved shooting under scrutiny in South Carolina, where law enforcement protocols and community relations continue to be topics of heated debate. Advocates for police reform have called for transparency in the investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity in how such confrontations unfold. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials stress the dangers officers face when responding to volatile situations, particularly those involving armed individuals.
As the investigation progresses, SLED has assured the public that updates will be provided as new information is verified. For now, the Myrtle Beach community mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of those injured in a night that began with chaos and ended in tragedy.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact SLED or the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382.