Orbeez Gun Incident on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach Causes Alarm
In a bewildering display on Ocean Boulevard, a real-life scene that might be more expected from an online prank video unfolded, as reports emerged of a man shooting people with an Orbeez gun in Myrtle Beach. The incident happened on July 20, and no injuries were reported, according to authorities.
Details on the Incident
The incident took place near 3rd Avenue South on Ocean Boulevard, a popular tourist destination. The suspect, a 24-year-old named Calib Reginald Odom, allegedly shot at two individuals with an Orbeez gun prior to a confrontation. These toy guns are designed to shoot water beads or gel pellets and not meant to cause harm. However, they have become infamous for their use in TikTok challenges that encourage shooting at unaware friends or even strangers, causing fear and confusion.
Following the incident, Odom allegedly engaged in a fight with the victims after being confronted by one of them. Eye witnesses then reported seeing him heading towards the beach. Police officers found him in the waters a little north of the 3rd Avenue South beach access.
Response by Authorities
Upon locating the suspect, the authorities ordered him to exit the water. Several commands were issued before Odom complied and was subsequently apprehended. According to police reports, Odom was combative, resisting arrest, and hurled threats at the officers during his arrest.
Odom initially provided the officers with a false name – Matthew Fariley. However, his true identity was later confirmed through fingerprint identification. This investigation led to a shocking revelation: there was an outstanding arrest warrant for Odom in Florida, though the nature of these charges has not been disclosed.
Charges Against the Perpetrator
As per the latest report, Odom is currently detained without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center due to the fugitive warrant from Florida. In addition to this, he is facing numerous charges related to the Orbeez gun occurrence on Ocean Boulevard.
These include disorderly conduct, fighting, littering, resisting arrest by opposing a law enforcement officer, serving a process, two counts each of attracting suspicion due to false name and address, third-degree assault and battery, violation of the swimming code, throwing of bodily fluids by a prisoner on a corrections employee, and assault while resisting arrest.
Overview of the Situation
This peculiar incident has sparked dialogue over the challenges and responsibilities of both law enforcement and digital platforms in regulating such actions. Moreover, the authorities are also urging the public to exercise caution when dealing with strangers, especially around tourist hotspots. The increasing popularity of online challenges and pranks often blurs the thin line of permissible behavior, potentially leading to dangerous situations and unforeseen consequences.
This article is fully factual and informational, aiming to educate the public about the incident without endorsement or promotion of any brand, news organization, or individuals.
Stay Safe, Myrtle Beach!
To all the residents and tourists in Myrtle Beach, safety should be of paramount importance. Everyone should stay alert, promote a safe environment, and immediately report any unwelcome activities or suspicious behavior to the authorities.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale of the potential harm that can result from reckless behavior inspired by online trends and challenges. It’s important to remember the importance of personal and public safety over social media trends.
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.
