August 17, 2025

Teen Denied Bond After Violent Police Chase in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, August 17, 2025

News Summary

An 18-year-old from North Carolina, Riley Pegram, has been denied bond after a high-speed police chase involving gunfire directed at officers. This incident, which took place in Myrtle Beach, raised concerns over Pegram’s potential danger to the community and the possibility of fleeing. He faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping, stemming from a reckless pursuit that resulted in shots being fired at police vehicles. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this dangerous event.

Myrtle Beach – An 18-year-old from North Carolina, Riley Pegram, has been denied bond following a high-speed police chase that involved gunfire directed at officers. The denial, made by Circuit Judge Michael Nettles on August 15, 2025, came amid concerns regarding Pegram’s potential danger to the community and the risk he poses of fleeing the jurisdiction.

Pegram faces serious charges including three counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, failing to stop for a police officer, and two weapons charges. These allegations stem from a dangerous incident that occurred on May 22, 2025, when Myrtle Beach Police responded to a report of a stolen white Dodge Charger, which belonged to Pegram’s mother.

The police were able to track the stolen vehicle to the parking lot of the Twilight Surf Motel around 8:14 a.m. Upon the arrival of the officers, Pegram allegedly sped away from the scene heading toward Ocean Boulevard and Farrow Parkway. During the pursuit, a passenger identified as Omarion Glass took advantage of the situation by leaning out of the car window and firing shots from an AR-style rifle at the pursuing police vehicles.

During the chaotic chase, Pegram also allegedly refused to allow another passenger to exit the vehicle, complicating the scenario further. Officer A. Lang testified that during the pursuit, one of the passengers shot at his cruiser, making it evident that the incident was not just a typical police chase, but a highly volatile and potentially deadly situation. Officers commented that the events unfolded “like something from a movie,” signaling the severity of Pegram’s violent criminal history.

In his defense, Pegram’s legal representation argued that he was not directly involved in the shooting and claimed he attempted to halt his friend’s actions. However, Assistant Solicitor Brandon Lanier argued that under the state’s accomplice liability concept, all parties engaged in the criminal act may be held accountable for the outcomes, including any violence that ensued during the chase.

During the bond hearing, Pegram’s mother testified, denying that Pegram had stolen her vehicle, asserting instead that it had been taken by another individual. She requested that her son be placed under home detention with strict conditions, allowing him to stay with her. However, Lanier raised concerns regarding the potential influence this arrangement could have on her testimony in the ongoing investigation.

The pursuit concluded without any reported injuries to the police officers, but the charges against Pegram reflect the serious nature of the incident. Pegram was reportedly out on bond for a prior armed robbery charge at the time of this latest event.

The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence related to the series of events that transpired on May 22, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding youth, crime, and community safety in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Key Facts

Incident Date: May 22, 2025
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Charges: Attempted murder (3 counts), kidnapping, failing to stop for police, weapons charges
Defendant: Riley Pegram, 18
Judge: Michael Nettles
Judge’s Decision Date: August 15, 2025

Background Context

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with escalating youth violence and crime. With Pegram reportedly out on bond for a previous armed robbery, the case raises questions about the appropriateness of bond practices alongside the serious implications involved in young individuals becoming entrenched in a cycle of crime. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat these issues, emphasizing community safety and the legal consequences of violent actions.

FAQ

What charges is Riley Pegram facing?

Riley Pegram is facing three counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, failing to stop for a police officer, and two weapons charges.

Why was bond denied for Pegram?

Bond was denied due to concerns that Pegram is a danger to the community and poses a flight risk.

Was anyone injured during the incident?

No injuries were reported to the police officers involved in the pursuit.

Summary of Key Features

Feature	Detail
Defendant	Riley Pegram, 18
Incident Date	May 22, 2025
Charges	Attempted murder (3 counts), kidnapping, failing to stop for police, weapons charges
Bond Hearing Outcome	Bond denied by Judge Michael Nettles
Incident Description	High-speed chase with gunfire directed at police
Current Status	Investigation ongoing; no injuries reported