Shocking Home Invasion Leads to Lawsuit in Grande Dunes
Residents of Grande Dunes, a picturesque gated community in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are reeling after a shocking home invasion that left one local injured and ignited a lawsuit against the homeowners association (HOA) and the security company. The incident has raised serious questions about the security measures in place within this typically serene neighborhood.
In a dramatic turn of events, Kelvin King, a resident of the Golf Village neighborhood in Grande Dunes, has filed a lawsuit against the Grande Dunes Master Association, Waccamaw Management, and Allied Universal Security, claiming negligence. This lawsuit stems from a terrifying burglary that occurred on the night of April 8, 2024, around 11:30 PM.
How the Burglars Breezed Through Security
According to the lawsuit, a group of three burglars managed to cross the gated Grande Dunes Boulevard bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway without being stopped or asked for identification. Yes, you read that right! This bridge is supposed to have security measures in place, including officers from Allied Universal Security. Yet somehow, this group “freely” entered the community, leading to chaos in the normally peaceful neighborhood.
Once inside, the burglars began their search for homes to target, eventually making their way to King’s house on Pachino Drive. And it was there that the situation escalated from a simple burglary to a terrifying encounter. King, who had recently heard strange noises in his backyard, started investigating with his gun in hand, only to find nothing amiss.
A Night of Horror for King
In a totally disturbing twist, as King began to doze off in his home, he suddenly heard a loud crash—his back sliding glass door was shattered! In disbelief, he witnessed a white rock come tumbling into his living room. In that moment, the unimaginable happened: King was shot in the hand while trying to respond to the threat. Calm, composed, and clearly shaken, he fired back at the intruders, managing to hit one of them.
The injuries sustained during this confrontation were devastating. King’s gunshot wound resulted in permanent disability to his hand and arm, requiring several surgeries. Today, King continues to cope with profound pain and discomfort as he attempts to piece his life back together.
The Aftermath and the Quest for Justice
One of the burglars involved in this heinous crime was arrested, while another is currently fighting extradition, according to the suit. But for King, this is not just about fighting against criminals; it’s also about holding the HOA and security company accountable for their apparent failures. He argues that these organizations neglected their responsibilities by failing to hire and supervise competent employees, leading to this dangerous situation.
As a result, King is seeking a hefty amount of damages and a judgment against the defendants. The case continues to unfold, with a lot of folks in the community concerned about their safety and the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
What’s Next for Grande Dunes Residents?
The incident has sparked a heated discussion among residents regarding safety protocols and the efficacy of security services. Questions are being raised about how these burglars could have so easily accessed the community, and whether neighborhood safety is being compromised.
While Waccamaw Management has declined to comment, and Allied Universal Security has yet to respond to requests for information, the ramifications of this event are sure to be felt throughout Grande Dunes for some time. Residents are left wondering: What will it take to ensure their safety in the future?
As this case progresses, many will be watching closely, hoping for both justice for King and improvements in the security measures that protect their community. Only time will tell how this dramatic situation unfolds.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
