SWAT team, Myrtle Beach police detain barricaded man in Ocean Boulevard hotel
Update: At approximately 5:15 p.m. several SWAT officers entered the balcony and used a taser to apprehend the suspect. A crowd that gathered near the incident began cheering when police detained the man. Police also confirmed via social media that the fire is contained.
Myrtle Beach police responded to a barricade situation on Ocean Boulevard Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
A person is barricaded in a room at the Yachtsman Seaglass tower on Ocean Boulevard, said Cpl. Tom Vest with the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The person is believed to be alone in the room, Vest said.
The tower is part of a hotel located in the heart of Ocean Boulevard, near popular restaurants and tourist attractions.
An officer on-scene said the man did not pose a threat to the public.
About a dozen armed SWAT officers in camouflage entered the building around 4 p.m.
A Myrtle Beach police truck labeled “Mobile Command Center” arrived on scene at about 4:15 p.m. Around 4:30 p.m. police were seen on an adjacent balcony speaking to a man next door.
Around 4:37 p.m., the man started stripping and throwing his clothes over the balcony.
Just before 5 p.m. a pair of firetrucks arrived on scene. Soon after, a third and fourth firetruck arrived along with an ambulance.
Police confirmed a little after 5 p.m. that the suspect set a fire inside the hotel room.
An officer on scene said the call came in at about 1:17 p.m. as a 911 hangup.
People are urged to take alternate routes to avoid the area, Vest said. He said the area is secure.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published July 15, 2021 at 3:10 PM.
