Police | Heating unit causes apartment blaze in Myrtle Beach area

POLICE

MYRTLE BEACH

Heating unit cause of apartment blaze

A central heating unit started a fire early Monday at a Myrtle Beach area apartment building, according to Horry County fire officials.

Firefighters were called about 7:20 a.m. Monday to Abaco Bay Apartments at 3919 Halyard Way, which is off Forestbrook Road, for a report of smoke filling the third floor of an apartment, said Leslie Yancey, public information officer for Horry County Fire Rescue. Firefighters found fire on the second floor, and the third floor was filled with smoke.

Damage was reported on both floors, Yancey said. The occupants were able to escape the apartment, and no one was hurt.

The fire was ruled accidental and one person was displaced, Yancey said.

Myrtle Beach firefighters also responded to assist.

CONWAY

Police search for armed robbery suspect

Conway police have issued arrest warrants for a man believed to have been involved in a Jan. 13 armed robbery around the area of 2300 Duckett St.

The victims told police they were selling frozen meat near Duckett Street when the man expressed interest in purchasing some meat, according to a police press release. The man then allegedly robbed the victims at gunpoint during the transaction, the release stated.

Police said warrants have been issued charging Sean Page, 35, with two counts of robbery and kidnapping, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possession of a firearm by prohibited persons.

Anyone with information about Page’s whereabouts is asked to call Conway police at 843-248-1790.

Local

MYRTLE BEACH

Women’s club to hear from candidate

The Democratic Women’s Council of Horry County meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Martin’s Restaurant, 7200 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, and will hear from Gloria Bromell Tinubu, a candidate for the new 7th Congressional District.

For more information, contact Sally P. Howard at 455-1936 or sallyphoward@aol.com.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Portion of swing bridge to reopen

One lane of the Barefoot Resort and Golf swing bridge will reopen to vehicle traffic Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.

Pat Dowling, North Myrtle Beach city spokesman, said officials estimate the single lane of the bridge will reopen between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday.

One lane of vehicle traffic will be maintained for about a day and a half, after which time the bridge repainting project will have been completed.

GRAND STRAND

Area gas prices show slight decline

Gas prices in the Myrtle Beach area slightly declined this week to average $3.25 per gallon on Sunday, according to MyrtleBeachGasPrices.com

Prices decreased by 1.9 cents, but were 35.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day a year ago and 17.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, according to the site.

Myrtle Beach’s changes compares with the national average that has increased 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.34 per gallon. The national average has increased 10.3 cents per gallon during the past month and is 27.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

“Gasoline prices have slowed their rise in the last week as oil prices have temporarily stabilized,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “I’m sure this leveling off in retail price won’t last terribly long as tension mounts with Iran. I still expect 2012 to be a nasty year for the typical motorist, which is what our recently released 2012 gasoline price outlook also states.”

From staff and wire reports