Police searching for suspect in connection with sexual assault

Horry County police are searching for a 31-year-old man in connection with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl that happened in June, authorities said.

Kevran John Wedderburn is wanted on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault, Horry County police Lt. Raul Denis said and noted authorities have a warrant for his arrest.

The victim reported the assault about 4 a.m. on June 26 at a condo in the 110 block of Waccamaw Drive and told authorities the incident happened on the beach about 50 feet north of the Garden City Pier, according to an Horry County Police report.

The victim told police she and a friend met Wedderburn at a beachwear store in Myrtle Beach earlier that day and agreed to meet up later.

The victim said she and her friend met Wedderburn later in the day at a beach pier and the trio sat on a blanket on the beach together, authorities said.

The victim said her friend left to look for sea shells, leaving the victim and Wedderburn alone, police said.

The victim said Wedderburn then forced himself on her, according to the report.

The victim’s friend said she was about 10 or 15 feet away when the incident occurred and didn’t hear or see anything, police said.

The victim’s friend said the victim later told her Wedderburn raped her and they stopped a passing security guard to report the incident, authorities said.

Police said they met with the victim’s mother who drove the victim to the hospital.

Authorities met with the victim’s mother at the hospital, and police said she told them Wedderburn gave the victim alcohol, and that the victim’s friend became sick from drinking it.

Anyone with information regarding Wedderburn’s whereabouts can call the Horry County Police tip line at 843-915-8477.

This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Police searching for suspect in connection with sexual assault."