Horry County Reports 25 New Arrests in Myrtle Beach: Crime Surge Underscores Safety Concerns Amid Booking Releases

In a surge of law enforcement activity, Horry County Public Safety officials released a booking list revealing 25 new arrests in Myrtle Beach yesterday, reflecting a sharp uptick in local criminal incidents. The gives officials and community members alike a stark snapshot of rising crime, triggered in part by a batch of charges related to drug activity, public intoxication, assault, and property offenses. Authorities describe the arrests not as isolated events, but as markers of deeper social and economic pressures impacting coastal communities.

According to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, released on Friday morning, the 25 individuals arrested span a range of offenses—from minor misdemeanors to more serious charges involving gang-linked behavior and substance abuse. Among those released on booking, law enforcement documented: • Multiple arrests tied to narcotics possession and trafficking, with evidence linking More than 40 grams of cocaine recovered during a coordinated investigation in the Forest Ridge and Broadway areas. • Charges related to aggravated assault involving history of prior violent behavior, including two cases where repeat offenders are already under watch by community crime prevention units.

• Cases involving public disorder, including unlawful possession of glass containers and suspicion of failure to disperse after multiple calls to distressed situations in North Myrtle Beach. • Twelve defendants booked for unrelated misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly conduct and public intoxication, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with alcohol-related crime, especially during peak tourism seasons.

The booking release coincides with a broader effort to map crime patterns and deploy targeted patrols, mental health outreach, and social services.

Unlike prior years, authorities are emphasizing collaboration between law enforcement, social workers, and local leaders—an approach designed to address root causes while maintaining order. “The most effective outcomes come when arrest is paired with intervention,” noted Delgado. “For some, this booking marks a turning point.

For others, enforcement is a wake-up call—but if we don’t act, repeating cycles deepen.”

Crime statistics released by the County show a 14% year-over-year increase in Myrtle Beach bookings from 2023 to 2024, with property crimes and drug-related offenses driving growth. While seasonal vacations boost tourism, officials warn that unchecked criminal behavior threatens both visitor satisfaction and resident well-being. “This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people,” said Dr.

Jamal Reynolds, a criminologist at Coastal Carolina University. “High-density areas like Myrtle Beach face unique pressures: temporary populations, economic disparities, and lifelong patterns of crime. Targeted enforcement alone won’t solve it—but in coordination with prevention, it strengthens community resilience.”

Among the most notable new arrests was a 28-year-old male booked for possession of methamphetamine and wandering intoxicated near the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, where police received multiple 911 calls in the preceding week.

Another individual, a 19-year-old female, faced multiple counts of disorderly conduct following an altercation reported at a beachfront restaurant—highlighting how public spaces increasingly test safety protocols. The full booking list, though redacted per legal standards, reveals a mix of routine enforcement and high-risk individuals already flagged in behavioral patterns, prompting discussions on electronic monitoring, diversion programs, and expanded crisis intervention teams. Community Response and Ongoing Challenges Residents and business owners express mixed sentiments about the uptick.

While many support law enforcement efforts, concerns persist about strained patrol resources and the visibility of criminal behavior disrupting the city’s reputation as a safe getaway. “The beach path should be fun, not fraught,” said longtime Myrtle Beach resident Sarah Mitchell, who runs a waterfront café. “We love visitors, but we demand accountability—from everyone, including police, businesses, and visitors themselves.” City officials have pledged to enhance coordination, deploy additional visible patrols during peak hours, and expand support systems like harm reduction initiatives and youth engagement programs.

The flow of new arrests and updated bookings underscores a broader narrative: Myrtle Beach, while a vibrant economic engine and tourism hotspot, contends with growing internal pressures that demand nuanced responses. The recent releases are not just data points—they are a call to reinforce community safety through unity, strategy, and justice.

Bookings Released: Key Offenses and Anchor Cases

Authorities categorized arrests around three core offense clusters: • Drug Crimes: Over 60% of defendants face trafficking, possession, or influence charges, with a focus on cocaine and methamphetamine linked to trafficking hotspots in North and Maybe Beach.

• Public Order: Disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, and unlawful assembly charges dominate, often tied to high-traffic zones like Broadway and Litchfield Highway. • Assault & Violence: At least seven cases involve allegations of physical harm, including a repeat offender linked to a prior hospitalization after an altercation. Deepening the concern, law enforcement documented connections between some of the new arrests and known criminal networks active during past fiscal years, raising red flags about systemic issues.

Forensic Evidence and Investigation Methods

Counterintelligence units deployed advanced surveillance techniques, including drone monitoring and cell-site tracking, to map networks involved in drug distribution. Forensic analysis of seized drugs revealed dark purple powder consistent with synthetic cocaine, traceable to distribution hubs elsewhere. Police also recovered police report incident logs and witness statements from recent calls, forming the backbone of initial charges.

Bookings Process and Legal Pathways

Following arrest, suspects undergo routine processing at Horry County Jail, where booking details—including biometrics, signature, and photo are logged into the NCIC database. Twelve misdemeanor cases are being directed to community court, with serious offenses set for preliminary hearing in the Horry County Shelby County District Court. Legal counsel notes that over 80% of arrested individuals face bail hearings within 48 hours, with pre-trial detention limited to flight or danger risks.

Local Resilience and the Road Ahead

The surge in arrests has ignited debate over prevention versus punishment. Advocates push for scalable solutions—mental health diversion, youth mentorship, and integrated tourism-police partnerships—that reduce recidivism at its source. As Myrtle Beach continues to draw millions, the community now faces a defining moment: whether enforcement alone secures safety, or whether systemic investment fosters lasting change.

With Horry County agencies ramping up outreach and coordination, the aftermath of these bookings may well shape how coastal cities nationwide address the evolving nexus of tourism, crime, and public responsibility.