Private investigator reports on-the-job assault to Myrtle Beach police

A private investigator told Myrtle Beach police he was assaulted and had his badge taken by a man while he was on a surveillance job, according to authorities.

Police were called about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to Settlers Drive off 44th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach where a 44-year-old private investigator reported the assault, according to a police report.

David Francis Falvey, 32, was arrested and taken to the Myrtle Beach Jail where he was issued a citation for simple assault, police said.

The victim told police he had been watching Falvey and a woman while working a surveillance case. Falvey approached the victim and yelled “who are you, and why are you following me,” according to the report.

Police said Falvey asked the victim if he was a police officer, and Falvey punched him in the left eye and took his badge when the victim showed it and identified himself as a private investigator.

The victim’s badge was later returned to him. It was unclear who had hired the victim in the police report.

This story was originally published January 28, 2015 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Private investigator reports on-the-job assault to Myrtle Beach police."