North Myrtle, Briarcliffe communities told to shelter as police search for armed person
UPDATE: The suspect, William Alston, was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.
A subject involved in an officer-involved shooting early Thursday morning in North Myrtle Beach is on the loose and considered armed and dangerous, according to police.
Police say the name of the suspect who exchanged gunfire with officers is William Joshua Alston, 40.
The incident stemmed from police going to serve an outstanding warrant around 2 a.m., according to city spokesman Donald Graham.
North Myrtle Beach Police are urging people in the Tanglewood and Ironwood areas of Barefoot Landing Resort to “STAY INDOORS” while they attempt to locate the person.
Just after 10 a.m., law enforcement added that people in the nearby Briarcliffe RV Resort should shelter in place as they continue their search. Alston was believed to be “contained” in that area about 11 a.m., police said.
Police were turning away cars that tried to enter the Tanglewood community at Barefoot Landing. They are also using a dog to search the Tanglewood community.
Sean O’Connor, principal at Risen Christ Christian Academy on North Kings Highway, told The Sun News the police directed them to go on lock down for the safety of students and staff.
All officers involved are fine, according to a Facebook post by the department, and updates will be made as they become available.
Alston was previously arrested in March on charges related to a fraudulent check and obtaining a signature or property under false pretenses, according to the Horry County public index. His address on those charges is listed in the Tanglewood community.
A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division background check showed that he’s faced similar charges in Richland and Charleston counties.
His listed attorney Caitlyn Caldwell, of the Horry County Public Defender’s Office, could not immediately be reached for comment.
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 8:11 AM.
