- 11 casualties in dock shooting after holiday boat party
- Suspect to face multiple attempted murder charges
- 120 attendees present during 3-hour pre-shooting cruise
- Responding officer accidentally self-injured during deployment
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old Illinois resident connected to Sunday's mass shooting at Little River's waterfront district. The violence erupted as over 100 partygoers disembarked from a popular casino cruise vessel, marking one of Horry County's largest public safety incidents this year.
Forensic analysis suggests the altercation began during the three-hour Intracoastal Waterway excursion before escalating onshore. While officials withheld weapon specifics, ballistics evidence indicates a single firearm discharged 14 rounds across the crowded dock area.
Medical reports reveal ten victims sustained lower-body gunshot wounds, with one individual injured by falling audio equipment. Emergency responders faced additional challenges when a North Myrtle Beach police officer required treatment after accidentally discharging his service weapon during response preparations.
This incident highlights growing security concerns for coastal entertainment operators. Recent data shows a 17% increase in waterfront violence across South Carolina's Grand Strand region since 2022, paralleling national trends in post-pandemic crowd management challenges.
Legal experts emphasize the case's complexity, noting jurisdictional hurdles in extraditing the suspect from Lake County. South Carolina's mandatory minimum sentencing for violent crimes could result in 25-year penalties per attempted murder charge if convicted.
Local business owners express concern about the shooting's economic impact during peak tourist season. The affected marina hosts 28 daily excursions generating $4.2M annually, with safety perceptions crucial to maintaining visitor numbers.
Investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage and social media content from attendees. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward as they assess potential accomplice involvement and reconstruct the fight's progression from boat to dock.
