Authorities are investigating after a Myrtle Beach officer was involved in a deadly聽 late-night shooting Saturday, April 26, on Myrtle Beach's Ocean Boulevard.
The officer, who discharged a weapon, is not hurt, Myrtle Beach Police said in a release. Eleven others were injured and are receiving medical treatment, police said.
Jerrius Davis, 18, of Bennettsville, South Carolina, died after he was shot at 913 N. Ocean Blvd., said Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard with the Horry County Coroner's Office.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department said the department offers "its prayers and deepest sympathies to everyone" impacted.
"Our hearts and continued prayers are with all those affected, as well as their loved ones during this difficult time," the department said.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed it is investigating and planned to release more details later. It is a common practice for SLED to step in to investigate when an officer is involved in a shooting.
Myrtle Beach Police said it plans to conduct an internal review of the incident, and confirmed Monday that three officers are on paid administrative leave in connection with the incident.
On the night of the shooting, MBPD said officers saw a disturbance involving multiple people along the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard just before midnight Saturday. "During the altercation, one individual began firing a weapon," MBPD said. "At that time, based on the immediate threat, one of our officers responded by discharging their firearm."
MBPD said the department appreciates the public鈥檚 patience as both investigations proceed, and all leads are examined.
"As always, we strongly encourage anyone with information or video footage related to this incident to come forward. Information can be shared with SLED or the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382."
A MBPD spokesperson said on Monday that during anticipated busier weeks and weekends throughout the year, the department proactively addresses the increased demand on public safety personnel by "up-staffing internally" and coordinating with outside agencies in our area. "These partnerships allow us to enhance our presence and maintain quick response times," the spokesperson said.
MBPD officer-involved shooting procedures
Myrtle Beach Police Department's policy states in the aftermath of a shooting involving an officer, the chief of police should notify SLED, as well as city managers, a risk manager and the city attorney. The chief must appoint a liaison officer to each involved officer, who may be placed on administrative duties as necessary.聽
The involved officers are to narrate on their body camera that they are no longer actively involved in the incident and are leaving the incident location, the policy states. They may turn off their body cam at this point.
Next, the involved officers should make contact with their significant others to let them know they were involved in a shooting.
The department advises that the involved officers should immediately deactivate all personal social media accounts, and should suggest that immediate family members deactivate their accounts, too.
The officers should speak with an attorney before giving any statement that may be used in a criminal investigation.
A liaison officer will notify the involved officer of the subject's condition as updates become available, the policy states.
Before officers return to full duties, the department's policy states the officer will undergo mental health counseling within three days of the incident, attend a Critical Incident Stress Debrief, visit the incident location, qualify with their newly assigned duty weapon, and undergo a psychological assessment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
(1) comment
Can鈥檛 just go out and have fun without causing a disturbance and another disaster. They just don鈥檛 care.
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