Myrtle Beach police officer shoots teenager along Boulevard. What happens next?
After an 18-year-old began firing his gun along North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach, a city police officer shot him, bystander Michael Howard told The Sun News.
Jerrius Davis, of Bennettsville, died overnight Saturday after being shot at Ripley’s Mirror Maze, 913 North Ocean Boulevard, said Horry County Coroner Tamara Willard. Davis had begun shooting his gun, and a yet to be named Myrtle Beach Police Officer returned the fire, witness Howard told The Sun News.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting to determine if the officer’s use of force was justified. The Myrtle Beach Police Department will also conduct an internal review separate from SLED.
Three Myrtle Beach Police officers were put on administrative leave following the shooting, according to a release from Myrtle Beach Police spokesperson Randolph Angotti.
Here is what Myrtle Beach Police’s protocol is for an “officer involved shooting.”
What happens to the “involved officer”?
Myrtle Beach Police define an involved officer as an officer who “intentionally” fired their weapon at a human being. The policy states that after the shooting, a liaison officer will be assigned to the involved officer. The liaison will be the main point of contact to the officer.
The liaison will escort the involved officer from the scene and to the Police Department following the shooting. The involved officer needs to narrate that they are leaving the scene before turning off their body-worn camera.
The city will connect the involved officer with an attorney who will help the officer with the investigation. This includes when SLED interviews the officer and any written or verbal statements.
The officer is advised to immediately deactivate all social media accounts and have immediate family do so as well.
The liaison will inform the involved officer of the condition of the subject.
The involved officer will likely be placed on administrative duty following the shooting. They will remain on administrative duty until several conditions are met, including counseling, visiting the scene of the shooting and a psychological assessment.
How does the police chief assist?
In the hours following the shooting, protocol states Police Chief Amy Prock was supposed to contact the city manager, city attorney, risk manager and other city officials. The police chief will also request SLED investigate the shooting.
Prock may place involved officers and any involved others, which includes other officers assisting at the scene, on administrative duty if necessary.
Division and watch commander’s roles
The division commander will oversee scene management, make sure there is appropriate manpower on the police force, ensure evidence is preserved and write an after action report.
The watch commander will make sure the scene is secure and keep evidence in good condition. The watch commander will also make sure the involved others and involved officers receive aid and provide medical attention to those who need it.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 12:12 PM.
