Myrtle Beach police: Suspect nicknamed ‘Santa’ pulls knife and threatens man near boardwalk

A 61-year-old man who goes by the nickname “Santa” was charged with assault after a man said he was threatened at knifepoint.

Paul Michael Davis, 61, is charged with first-degree assault and battery and being held at the Myrtle Beach Jail, records show.

Myrtle Beach officers were called about 4 p.m. Monday to Plyler Park on Ocean Boulevard, near the Skywheel, in reference to a disorderly man, police said.

When police arrived, a 21-year-old victim told them a man who goes by “Santa” threatened his life with a knife after the two men argued, according to a police report. The victim said he also argued with the suspect a few days earlier, authorities said.

The victim told police he was sitting on a park bench when Davis came up to him, threatened his life, and pulled out a knife, then headed down the boardwalk, police said.

A witness told police he saw the victim surrounded by three men, heard a loud argument and saw the suspect threatening the victim with a knife, authorities said.

The witness stepped in and tried to calm things down and then the men took off down the boardwalk. Other witnesses said they heard the argument and saw the two parties being forceful with each other, but couldn’t see if a weapon was used.

Davis was found walking down the boardwalk near Ninth Avenue North, and police said they found the knife on him.

Davis’ bond had not been set as of Tuesday morning, jail records show.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 9:13 AM with the headline "Myrtle Beach police: Suspect nicknamed ‘Santa’ pulls knife and threatens man near boardwalk."