- Eleven individuals hospitalized after Sunday night shooting in Little River
- Incident occurred 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach tourist hub
- Horry County police confirm isolated event with no active danger
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire on Watson Avenue late Sunday evening, marking one of the worst acts of violence in recent Horry County history. The Memorial Day weekend shooting disrupted what’s typically a bustling tourism period for coastal communities near Myrtle Beach. Emergency crews transported multiple victims via ambulance while others arrived independently at three regional hospitals, overwhelming trauma units.
Local law enforcement initiated a door-to-door evidence search within hours of the incident. Crime scene analysts documented over 40 ballistic markers across a two-block radius, suggesting prolonged exchange of gunfire. Regional hospitals activated emergency staffing protocols to manage the influx of patients, with at least two victims requiring emergency surgery.
This tragedy follows a 22% increase in gun violence incidents along South Carolina’s Grand Strand since 2022, according to Coastal Safety Commission reports. Tourism analysts warn such events could impact the region’s $8 billion annual hospitality industry. Community leaders plan to implement enhanced surveillance systems and midnight curfews in entertainment districts.
