Man Accused of Armed Threat at Myrtle Beach Candy Store Over Refund Dispute
Disturbing Incident Triggers Fear at Family Candy Store
Myrtle Beach, a beloved family vacation spot, was rocked by a shocking event earlier this week when a man allegedly brandished a firearm in a dispute with local candy store workers.
Joshua Kim, a 36-year-old man, held two employees at Sugar Life Ice Cream & Candy Bar at gunpoint over a disagreement regarding a candy return, according to police reports. Kim was taken into custody, and a woman accompanying him, Chelsie Lowe, 35, was also arrested on drug charges.
An Argument Turns Dangerous
The event unfolded around 11:10 p.m., as Kim expressed anger over the store’s no-return policy on candy. The store’s management confirmed that this policy was always communicated to customers during the process of checkout. When the dispute was not resolved to his satisfaction, Kim reportedly pulled out a gun, threatening to shoot the employees.
“He said, ‘I put a chunk in your head if you don’t bring me back my money, right now. It’s no lie. It’s no lie,'” revealed one of the shocked employees. The incident took place in the presence of customers, including children, causing undue alarm.
Police Intervention and Arrests
Reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, the police substantiated the employees’ version of the incident. Kim was apprehended later that night, along with Lowe, at a resort on Ocean Boulevard.
Upon search, the police confiscated 0.41 grams of cocaine and a quantity of weed from their truck, adding drug charges to Kim’s rap sheet. The same vehicle was earlier seen involved in another “related incident” with three children on board, according to the arrest warrants.
Consequences and Reactions
Kim has been charged with two counts of pointing and presenting firearms at a person, unlawful conduct toward a child, and drug possession. He is currently lodged at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center with a bail set at over $750,000. Lowe was released from the Myrtle Beach jail after posting a $615 bail for her drug charge.
The distressing incident has taken a toll on Sugar Life’s staff, as well as the local community. Mallory George, the mother of one of Kim’s children, expressed her disappointment and relief that her son was not present during the incident. She also shared her hopes for Kim’s rehabilitation in incarceration.
She said, “It’s not okay, so honestly, the best place for him is to be in jail. Maybe he can get his mind right, sober up, do something with his life, so my son can have a father.”
Stay with HERE News Network for updates on this incident and other news.
Author: HERE News
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.
