Surfside Beach Man Arrested After Car Break-Ins
In the bustling town of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, it looks like a suspect has finally been caught after making a name for himself as a car burglar in the Grand Strand area. The local police department has confirmed that the suspect, identified as William “Bill” Arthur Wagner, is now behind bars. The arrest took place on Friday, following a series of break-ins, leaving many residents breathing a sigh of relief.
From Fugitive to Custody
Wagner has been booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, marking the end of an active manhunt by law enforcement. Just a day earlier, on Thursday, the Surfside Beach Police Department was actively looking for the 44-year-old, stating he was wanted on a variety of charges, including burglary, safecracking, breaking and entering, and larceny. However, the finer details surrounding his arrest are still under wraps, making the community curious about what exactly led to this capture.
A Notorious Incident
The charges against Wagner stem from an incident that occurred on November 5, when a call about a burglary came in from Myrtle Beach Towing located on South Highway 17. The owner reported some jarring news: someone had managed to break into the secured towing lot and trespass into the storage building, making off with a lockbox that contained around 30 different keys to various cars on the lot. Not only was this a serious breach of security, but it also left many of the parked cars vulnerable, as at least two were reportedly broken into—disconcerting for those who depend on these vehicles.
Community Shocked
Residents around Surfside Beach and the Grand Strand area are likely feeling a mix of emotions as this story unfolds. After all, it’s concerning when someone is wandering around, stealing things from people’s cars. Fortunately, the owner of the towing company was vigilant enough to alert the police immediately, which set the gears in motion to track the suspect down.
Evidence and Investigations
Police later found the stolen lockbox on the street at 15th Avenue South and Lakeside Drive, but unfortunately, attempts to lift fingerprints from it yielded no results. This leaves some mystery as to how officers managed to identify Wagner as the prime suspect in the case. The details about this identification process have not yet been revealed, adding a layer of intrigue. It’s a reminder that law enforcement often has tricks up their sleeves when it comes to solving cases!
What’s Next for Wagner?
As of Friday afternoon, Wagner’s fate remains uncertain. While he is currently in custody, details surrounding his first appearance in court or any bond hearing have yet to be released. Many are likely wondering how long he will stay behind bars and what kind of penalties he could face if found guilty of these charges. For now, Surfside Beach residents can rest a little easier, knowing that a suspect has been apprehended and their local law enforcement is taking action.
Stay Tuned for More Updates!
As this story continues to develop, make sure to keep an ear to the ground. The Surfside Beach community will surely be eager to learn more about Wagner’s arrest and what it holds for the future of safety in their neighborhood. Until then, keep your valuables close and stay aware of your surroundings—it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

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.


