Myrtle Beach, October 15, 2025

News Summary

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has cleared Officer Brandon O’Rourke of any wrongdoing related to an active shooter incident on Ocean Boulevard, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The investigation revealed that Officer O’Rourke acted in response to an immediate threat posed by an 18-year-old suspect who opened fire in a crowded area. Following the incident, O’Rourke returned to duty, emphasizing the challenges faced by law enforcement in rapidly evolving situations.

Myrtle Beach

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has cleared Myrtle Beach Police Officer Brandon O’Rourke of any criminal charges related to an active shooter incident that occurred on April 26, 2025, along the bustling Ocean Boulevard, a popular tourist spot. The shooting left one individual dead and eleven others injured, prompting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

During the incident, 18-year-old Jerrius Davis from Bennettsville was shot and killed by Officer O’Rourke after Davis opened fire into a crowded area, resulting in several injuries. The precise number of injuries caused specifically by O’Rourke’s gunfire, as opposed to those inflicted by Davis, remains unclear according to the investigation report. Officer O’Rourke justified his actions by citing the immediate threat of an “active shooter” at the scene.

Incident Overview

Following the shooting, Officer O’Rourke was placed on paid leave during the investigation. He returned to active duty in late August 2025. Notably, other officers present at the scene did not discharge their weapons during the incident. The report indicates that five adult victims and six juvenile victims were involved, although their identities were redacted for privacy. The victims were primarily located near the Mr. Fries restaurant on North Ocean Boulevard.

Davis reportedly fired four shots before O’Rourke and other officers responded. The ShotSpotter technology identified six gunshots in total, suggesting that not all gunfire in the area was from either O’Rourke or Davis. Additionally, one 9mm shell casing found at the scene did not match any weapons used by the parties involved.

Aftermath

After being shot, Davis collapsed and was subsequently handcuffed by the pursuing police officers. Officer O’Rourke took immediate action to assist a bleeding victim, expressing regret over the injuries that occurred during the incident. One notable victim, a 17-year-old on spring break, suffered a gunshot wound to the back while attempting to escape the area.

Witnesses reported that Davis exhibited anger over interactions with several individuals prior to the shooting. Following the incident, Officer O’Rourke participated in interviews with SLED to explain his actions when the shooting occurred. The investigation concluded that Officer O’Rourke acted in a manner intended to protect innocent bystanders, despite the challenges posed by the crowded environment.

In connection with the shooting incident, two individuals were arrested, although further details regarding the arrests have not been disclosed.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the investigation into the Myrtle Beach active shooter incident underscores the complexity and danger faced by law enforcement in rapidly evolving situations. With Officer O’Rourke cleared of criminal charges, attention continues to be drawn to the implications of gun violence in public spaces and the need for effective response strategies.

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Additional Resources

• Police1: S.C. Officer Cleared in Response to Mass Shooting
• Officer.com: Video Shows Gunman Open Fire as SC Police Pursue Him
• WMBF News: Police Expert Weighs in on Myrtle Beach Officer-Involved Shooting
• Wikipedia: Active Shooter
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach Shooting 2025

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.