🌱 MBPD's School Shooting Hoax Report + DeWitt Family Funerals Today

Hi y'all. I'm back from a staycation and in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Myrtle Beach Daily, fresh off the presses. Many thanks to Danielle Fallon-O'Leary for covering the newsletter in my absence! Today is Tuesday, October 18, 2022. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. Today's briefing includes updates on...

• Myrtle Beach PD releases details on the October 5 school shooting hoax.
• Police are seeking a suspect wanted in a weekend gun incident in Socastee.
• Funeral services will be held today for the DeWitt family formerly of Atlantic Beach.

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First, let's have a look at Tuesday's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 63 Low: 40.

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Here are the top four stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. The Myrtle Beach Police Department has released its findings on the recent school shooter hoax that caused police to respond to several Horry County schools on October 5. A report shows that a person called 911 claiming that an unknown person was inside the school(s) and that multiple children had been shot. The affected schools were placed on lockdown. Authorities soon determined that the calls were a hoax and part of a swatting incident that sent similar responses throughout South Carolina on that day. (WBTW) (WMBF)
2. Horry County Police are looking for a suspect who fled from the scene of a possible shooting in Socastee this past weekend. No one was hurt in the incident that occurred in the Amberfield neighborhood off Dick Pond Road Saturday. The victim stated in a report that they were headed to a friend's home when the suspect blocked the road, took out a firearm and pointed it at the victim through the window of a car. Apparently no shots were fired. The suspect was seen leaving in a red Chevrolet Malibu that was found unoccupied some time later. A K-9 unit was dispatched to the suspect's home and two firearms were found inside of a backpack at that location. The suspect eluded police in another vehicle and is still being sought. (WBTW) (WMBF) (wpde.com)
3. A Little River shopper is a big winner after buying a $50,000 winning lottery ticket at Lowe's Foods in the small fishing village. The ticket holder matched all but one number in Saturday's Powerball drawing. (WBTW)
4. Funeral services are happening today for three members of the DeWitt family who were shot to death by a relative last week. Former Atlantic Beach councilman, James DeWitt II and his wife Gloria were killed in Richland County. A third victim, Natasha Stevens, a relative of the DeWitt family, was killed in Conway. Matthew DeWitt, 25, was arrested in Atlantic Beach last Monday and charged with murder. A bond hearing is scheduled for December. (WBTW)

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Myrtle Beach pic of the day:

Pic of the day is back! This one was sent in by Dan Ng who snapped this early-morning photo at Garden City Pier recently. Thanks so much for the pretty picture, Dan!

Hold onto those Myrtle Beach photos, folks! We are working on a backlog of photos submitted recently. Thank you so much for your patience.

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Medicare 101 @ Socastee Library (12:30 p.m.)
• Taste of the Town @ Myrtle Beach Convention Center (4 p.m.)
• New members social @ Little River Chamber of Commerce (4 p.m.)
• Planning Commission regular meeting @ North Myrtle Beach Council Chambers (5 p.m.)
• Mopars at the Beach kickoff @ Dead Dog Saloon (5 p.m.) (thru Oct. 23 at various locations)
• Randy Atwood @ Cooper's Tavern (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Here are a few stories from last week that readers may find interesting. DC BLOX data center broke ground at Myrtle Beach International Technology and Aerospace Park. Operations are expected to be online in June 2023. Tourists visiting the Grand Strand are choosing different ways to rent cars amid an industry-wide shortage. A car-sharing company described as similar to Airbnb for cars is one option, along with locally-owned car rental companies. A real estate professional explained why Horry County taxes increased after property owners expressed shock over the increased amounts on recently-issued tax bills. North Myrtle Beach residents and city officials sat down for a round table discussion focused on the Destination Master Plan — a 10-year plan for the city. The City of Myrtle Beach "broke up with" Lakewood Camping Resort and PirateLand Camping Resort.
• Who's hiring in the Myrtle Beach area? This week's latest job openings are here courtesy of Patch and ZipRecruiter. (Myrtle Beach Patch)
• Octogenarian George Hagan ran in the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon last weekend with his fellow running companions from Black Dog Running Company. (WBTW) Approximately 900 runners completed the half marathon. One top female runner, Jessa Wigington, had some tips for powering through a long run. It's as easy as being like a golden retriever, she said — just go for it and have a happy-go-lucky attitude. (wpde.com)
• After 1,248 days in St Frances Animal shelter, Cami the dog has finally found a furever home! Read the whole wonderful story here on ABC 15! (wpde.com)
• Winter Wonderland at the beach will return to downtown Myrtle Beach near Plyler Park and Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place for the second year. The walk-through light show and family fun zone will open November 17 (that's a month from today!) and will finish up on December 23. (WMBF)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! I'll see you back here tomorrow with your Wednesday edition of the Myrtle Beach Daily.

— Kathy Mandell

About me: The best decision I ever made was relocating to the Myrtle Beach area from New England a few years ago, with my three dogs and three cats. I enjoy dogs, cats, road trips, photography, writing, vegetarian food, live music, bicycling and above all my daily walks on the beaches in and around the Grand Strand.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Daily? Contact me at myrtlebeach@patch.com