A shooting occurred late Saturday night, April 26, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, resulting in one fatality and 11 injuries in a popular tourist district. The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 p.m. along North Ocean Boulevard, a well-known area frequented by both tourists and locals.
Patrolling police officers responded to what they identified as a disturbance involving multiple individuals. During the conflict, a person began firing a weapon, as reported by the media. An officer responded by discharging their weapon, fatally wounding the shooter. The deceased was identified as Jerrius Davis, 18, from Bennettsville, South Carolina, according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard.
The event happened near the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction, close to the beachfront. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire broke out. Michael Howard, who was nearby, recalled hearing the shots and seeing individuals hit the ground. He mentioned seeing a girl collapse after being struck and observed blood at the location. “It was just very traumatizing,” he told ABC 15.
Another witness described being on the street with family when someone yelled “gun,” prompting people to flee. After ensuring his niece’s safety at their hotel, he returned and witnessed Davis firing his weapon before being shot by the officer. He remembered watching Davis fall to the ground.
The authorities have not disclosed the cause of the initial disturbance or what led to the escalation. The Myrtle Beach Police Department stated that their officer acted in response to an immediate threat.
The 11 individuals injured in the shooting received treatment at local hospitals. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed. Police continue to investigate the situation and will conduct an internal review of the officer-involved shooting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is also participating in the ongoing investigation.
Video footage available online shows part of the aftermath, including an individual lying face down on the sidewalk while two officers restrain another person. A woman is seen holding her leg and shouting, while officers appear to assist.
The area remained secured with police tape on Sunday morning, with North Ocean Boulevard closed between Eighth Avenue and 16th Avenue. The road reopened later in the afternoon after authorities concluded their initial examination of the scene.
Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican whose district encompasses areas near Myrtle Beach, commented on the shooting through social media, expressing her sorrow for the victims and their families. She stated that South Carolina would not tolerate violence and thanked the first responders on the scene.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department issued a public statement, offering “prayers and deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this incident” and thanking the public for its patience as the investigation continues.
