News Summary
A serious bomb threat at the Walmart on Seaboard Street in Myrtle Beach led to significant police action and the evacuation of the store. The threat, made using a stolen handheld radio, resulted in the arrest of a 19-year-old. Fortunately, no explosives were found, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
Myrtle Beach – A bomb threat was made at the Walmart located on Seaboard Street on March 21, 2025, leading to a significant police response and the evacuation of the store. The threat was conveyed using a stolen handheld Motorola radio valued at $545.
Police received the bomb threat call shortly after 5 p.m., prompting immediate action. Officers arrived on the scene and initiated a thorough search of the premises for any explosives. Fortunately, after an extensive examination, no suspicious items were found, and the store was deemed safe.
In a development related to the incident, Garrett Wayne East, a 19-year-old resident, was arrested on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. He faces serious charges for making the bomb threat and for conveying false information regarding the presence of a bomb. The investigation revealed that East had used the stolen radio to communicate the threat with the intent to disrupt the business operations of Walmart.
East is currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center with a bond set at $50,000. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the bomb threat remains ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as they examine the case closely.
This incident has raised concerns about safety and the misuse of communication devices in public places. The stolen radio, which was taken from the store, was specifically mentioned as part of the crime aimed at jeopardizing the safety of customers and staff alike. Such actions not only cause panic but can also lead to serious legal consequences for those involved.
The response from law enforcement highlights the swift measures taken to ensure the safety of the public in potentially dangerous situations. Police officials continue to urge the community to report any suspicious activity and have emphasized the seriousness of making threats that can incite fear and panic amongst the public.
As the investigation proceeds, the authorities are keen on preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. The ramifications of bomb threats can be severe, leading to emergency evacuations, financial losses for businesses, and potential legal actions against individuals who make such threats.
Community members are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items or behavior to law enforcement promptly. The collaboration between local citizens and the police is vital in ensuring public safety and maintaining trust within the community.
Walmart has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the bomb threat or the subsequent arrest. The nature of the incident and its fallout serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication and the risks associated with criminal behavior.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Bomb threat
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: bomb threat Myrtle Beach
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal law
- MSN News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach bomb threat
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.
