Suspect Killed, 11 Injured in Myrtle Beach Officer-Involved Shooting During Holiday Weekend

Mass shooting in Myrtle Beach tourist hotspot leaves 11 injured, suspect killed by police.

At least 11 people were injured and one suspect was killed during an officer-involved shooting late Saturday night in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach Police Department reported that officers responded around 11:50 p.m. to a disturbance involving multiple individuals on North Ocean Boulevard, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.

During the altercation, one individual fired a weapon, prompting an officer to quickly discharge their firearm in response. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville, died from injuries sustained during the encounter. The officer involved was unharmed.

A mass shooting in a popular tourist area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Saturday night left one person dead & 11 others wounded.

Following standard procedure, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an independent investigation into the incident, while the Myrtle Beach Police Department conducts an internal review.

Mayor Brenda Bethune praised the officer's swift action, stating it likely saved lives and prevented a far worse tragedy. She emphasized the importance of relying on verified facts and expressed concern about misinformation spreading on social media. The mayor confirmed that the full SLED report will be made public once completed, a process expected to take approximately three weeks.

18-year-old Jerrius Davis killed in Myrtle Beach officer-involved shooting.

The shooting unfolded at the start of the peak tourism season. Visitors like Washington, D.C. native Sebastian McMillon expressed continued confidence in Myrtle Beach as a safe destination, stressing that isolated incidents should not deter tourism. Councilman Gregg Smith also reassured the public, noting that the event was not representative of the usual experience for Myrtle Beach visitors.

Police Chief Amy Prock highlighted earlier this year that major crimes in Myrtle Beach have nearly halved since 2015, thanks to expanded surveillance efforts, enhanced neighborhood policing, and the deployment of new technologies like acoustic gunshot detection systems.

Police can be seen Sunday investigating an area outside a business. A shooting happened along North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Mayor Bethune, who was on Ocean Boulevard just minutes before the incident, reinforced that Myrtle Beach remains a safe city. She stressed that while isolated acts of violence cannot always be prevented, they should not overshadow the overall safety and vibrancy of the community.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, offering prayers for the victims and their families and reaffirming South Carolina’s commitment to combating violence.