Son of man killed in Myrtle Beach moped crash laments how drunk-driving suspect is free
Christian Anderson doesn’t understand why the man accused of killing his father in a drunken wreck in Myrtle Beach is allowed to be free.
“I’m just as upset about that as I am about my dad dying,” Anderson said.
On March 7, Myrtle Beach police charged Shane Bandolas, 25, with felony DUI resulting in death. Officers say Bandolas was behind the wheel of a car that slammed into Tommy Anderson, who was on a moped.
Anderson died at the scene near 46th Avenue North.
The day after his arrest, Bandolas posted $20,000 bail on the charge and left J. Reuben Long Detention Center as he waits for his next court hearing. It’s unclear if there are bond conditions preventing Bandolas from driving, several calls to the Horry County Clerk of Court went unansewered.
Christian lives in North Carolina and said there, if a person kills another, they would face a six-figure bond. But, in Myrtle Beach, the suspect faces a $20,000 bond. Christian added that Bandolas could harm others while he is free.
The crash happened around midnight and Christian said his dad’s girlfriend called to tell him that he needed to come to Myrtle Beach. When he asked why, someone else told him his dad was dead.
Christian said he reacted like anyone would in that situation. His dad’s death was sudden and it came with no warning.
“I just started crying,” Christian said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Tommy Anderson, 51 and an avid motorcyclist, moved to the Myrtle Beach area about four years ago, Christian said. Tommy worked in maintenance at the Sands Ocean Club and was on the way home when he died.
“He loves the beach. That is why he moved,” Christian said. “My dad was a hard worker and he gets killed.”
