Surfside Beach, August 15, 2025
News Summary
A concerning incident in Surfside Beach involves a civilian man flashing a police badge while driving erratically. Residents Ray and Ginger Maston reported multiple encounters, leading police to investigate the behavior of the man, identified as a former officer. Despite alarming actions, no charges have been filed against him, raising community concerns about the implications of such behavior being unpunished and the safety of residents.
Surfside Beach, South Carolina – A troubling situation has arisen in the Surfside Beach area, where reports indicate that a civilian man has been flashing a police badge while driving erratically on multiple occasions. This alarming behavior has prompted immediate concern from local residents and law enforcement officials.
Ray and Ginger Maston, who reside in Murrells Inlet, reported separate encounters with the same individual, who was driving a distinctive black Ford Mustang. Their experiences unfolded under troubling circumstances, leading to a more extensive investigation by the Horry County Police.
On the morning of Tuesday, the Horry County Police were called to Maddington Place Drive following a road rage incident involving the suspect. During this encounter, the unidentified man admitted to displaying a police badge while engaging with another driver. Additional details revealed that the man carried a concealed firearm, though he did not brandish it threateningly at any participants in the altercation.
Despite the gravity of the situation, no charges were filed against the man. When questioned about the incident, a Horry County Police spokeswoman, Mikayla Moskov, confirmed that the matter had been reviewed by a judge, who concluded that the suspect’s actions did not meet the legal criteria for impersonation. This development has raised eyebrows among those directly impacted, particularly the Maston family, who expressed disbelief that such behavior would go unpunished.
Ginger Maston’s ordeal began on July 28 when she encountered the erratic driver while traveling on Highway 17 South. The man reportedly tailgated her aggressively and attempted to brake tap her vehicle. In a moment that left her unsettled, he flashed a badge, leading her to contact police dispatch and document the encounter with a photograph of the driver’s license plate. Following her report, authorities confirmed that the man was not an officer with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
The situation escalated on Tuesday when Ray Maston, recognizing the distinctive Mustang, decided to follow the vehicle to collect further evidence. While he was on the phone with law enforcement, the suspect confronted him, threatening and brandishing a gun while again showing his badge. After reviewing the events, police indicated that the individual was a former police officer from New York and initially considered charging him with impersonation.
Despite these concerning developments, a judge ruled against the prosecution of any criminal charges, citing that the actions did not fit the legal definition of impersonation as per South Carolina law. This has left the Mastons and other community members feeling unsettled and worried about future incidents.
South Carolina law strictly prohibits anyone other than authorized law enforcement from impersonating an officer, which includes the act of displaying a badge. The Maston family highlighted the odds of being targeted by the same individual on different occasions, expressing that such a situation is particularly disturbing given the potential for ongoing erratic behavior.
As local authorities work to address these issues, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or incidents involving individuals unlawfully impersonating law enforcement.
FAQs
What happened in Surfside Beach?
A civilian man was reported to have flashed a police badge during erratic driving incidents, leading to concerns among local residents.
Who were the main witnesses?
Ray and Ginger Maston, residents of Murrells Inlet, each had separate encounters with the same man driving a black Ford Mustang.
Was the man charged with any crime?
No charges were filed against the suspect following a review of the incidents by law enforcement and a judge.
What does South Carolina law say about impersonating a police officer?
It is illegal for anyone other than authorized law enforcement to impersonate an officer, including flashing a badge.
How should residents respond if they encounter similar behavior?
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or incidents related to unlawful impersonation of law enforcement.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Surfside Beach, South Carolina |
| Main Suspect | Unidentified civilian man |
| Vehicle | Black Ford Mustang |
| Incident Dates | July 28 and Tuesday following |
| Witnesses | Ray and Ginger Maston |
| Legal Outcome | No charges filed; judge ruled against prosecution |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beware, Horry County Residents! Scam Calls on the Rise
Two Romanian Nationals Accused of Impersonating Immigration Agents and Committing Robberies in Southern California
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Impersonation of a Police Officer
- WLTX News
- Google Search: Impersonating Law Enforcement
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Enforcement
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Impersonation
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Impersonating ICE Officer
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.
