News Summary
A mass shooting during a spring break celebration in Myrtle Beach resulted in serious injuries to a 13-year-old boy and 11 others. The incident raises safety concerns in this popular tourist destination. Authorities reported that an 18-year-old suspect opened fire, leading to chaos and a police officer fatally shooting the suspect. The family of the injured boy is seeking answers regarding medical decisions, while residents express anxiety over the incident’s impact on community safety.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A mass shooting during a spring break celebration left a 13-year-old boy with serious injuries and 11 others wounded late on April 26. The incident occurred in a crowded area on Ocean Boulevard, prompting urgent responses from local law enforcement and raising concerns about safety in the popular tourist destination.
Zavian Hairston, from Martinsville, Virginia, suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and leg, including a bullet that grazed his arm, which doctors have indicated will remain lodged there permanently. He was in Myrtle Beach with his father, Antonio Hairston, at the time of the shooting. Authorities reported that the incident resulted in injuries to individuals ranging from ages 13 to 43, including another minor, a 15-year-old girl named Serenity Chavis, who reported being shot in the leg by a police officer during the chaos.
The shooting began around 11:50 p.m. when an 18-year-old suspect, Jerrius Davis, allegedly opened fire in a bustling area, leading to the chaos. In the ensuing confrontation, a Myrtle Beach police officer fatally shot Davis. As Zavian attempted to run from the bullets, he fell and sought shelter in an alley, where he learned he had been injured. Antonio Hairston, who was also grazed by a bullet, was initially restricted from reaching his son but was later allowed to do so once law enforcement realized he was also a victim.
Both Zavian and Antonio were transported to a local hospital, where Zavian underwent surgery on May 13 to address the bullet lodged in his leg. However, the bullet in his arm was deemed too risky to remove; if it does not cause further complications, it will remain permanently. Following the traumatic event, Zavian has been experiencing heightened anxiety and is currently seeking counseling.
Public outcry and concern have surged regarding the situation. Patricia Washington, Zavian’s mother, has raised questions about the decision to leave the bullet in her son’s arm, expressing dissatisfaction with the medical care he received. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated an investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with limited information being shared with the public.
The injuries sustained by the remaining 11 victims have not been fully detailed by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, nor have the identities of the involved officers been released. Mayor Brenda Bethune and Police Chief Amy Prock have described the shooting as a random act of violence, stating that it does not reflect the general safety levels in Myrtle Beach. They noted that crime statistics indicate a decline in violent crime rates within the Waterfront District.
This incident has sparked ongoing debate about police transparency and the broader implications for Myrtle Beach as a tourist hub. Many community members share concerns regarding how the police handled the situation and the overall safety of the area, which is known for attracting large crowds during vacation seasons. As the investigation unfolds, residents and visitors alike await more clarity on the events that transpired and the city’s efforts to ensure security moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- CNN
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach shooting
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- New York Post
- Google News: Myrtle Beach shooting
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.
