North Myrtle Beach, SC – A young woman has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of North Myrtle Beach, their Chief of Police, Dana Crowell, and two officers from the North Myrtle Beach Police Department (NMBPD), Mike Pacileo and Kayla Wallace. La’Nisha Hemingway, 18, alleges that she was wrongfully detained and handcuffed at gunpoint during an inappropriate traffic stop last month.
The lawsuit stems from an alleged incident that took place on May 3. Hemingway, who had just graduated from high school, was on her way to a celebratory event with friends and was driving on Highway 17 South when she was stopped by police officers. According to the documents in the lawsuit, a license plate reader incorrectly identified Hemingway’s car, a dark grey Dodge Charger, leading to her detainment.
Officers Pacileo and Wallace demanded Hemingway exit her vehicle and walk backwards towards them, handcuffing her at gunpoint. Her car was then searched without what the lawsuit claims was appropriate probable cause or a proper warrant.
Shortly after detaining Hemingway, the officers realized they had stopped the wrong vehicle. The lawsuit points out the officers’ acknowledgment of their mistake, which was apparently caught on body camera footage. In the three-minute-long video, Officer Wallace is heard saying that Hemingway’s car “isn’t it.”
Hemingway’s family has said the incident has had a deep impact on her. Her grandmother, Janet, mentioned Hemingway’s demeanor changing drastically after the event. She said, “She’s not the same anymore. She’s quiet, keeps to herself, she’s distant.”
Hemingway’s attorney, Tyler Bailey, called for better training for law enforcement on traffic stops and civilian interactions and more accountability surrounding the use of license plate reader technology.
No comment regarding the pending litigation was made by The North Myrtle Beach Police Department. The status of Officers Pacileo and Wallace, both of whom have been previously recognized for their work, is undefined currently.
Bailey voiced his client’s demand for justice and accountability in this situation. He said, “What we’re seeking is full justice and accountability for what La’Nisha has gone through; this traumatizing experience that is sticking with her today…” The incident highlights a dangerous instance of an improper traffic stop and fosters further discussion for change in law enforcement practices.
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.
