On a quiet Sunday evening, the tranquil waterfront community of Little River, South Carolina, was shattered by a violent shooting that left at least 11 people wounded and sent shockwaves through the close-knit coastal town. The incident, which unfolded around 9:30 p.m. on May 25, 2025, along Watson Avenue near the Intracoastal Waterway, transformed a peaceful Memorial Day weekend into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Emergency responders rushed to the site, where dozens of police cars and ambulances illuminated the night, attending to victims and securing the area. For residents of this small community, known for its serene residential streets and vibrant boating culture, the event was a jarring departure from their everyday lives.
The Horry County Police Department is leading an active investigation into the shooting, which occurred in a predominantly residential neighborhood dotted with a few boating-related businesses. Authorities have confirmed that the incident took place near a docked boat, raising questions about whether the violence stemmed from an event or gathering tied to the waterway. Emergency response teams from Horry County Fire Rescue swiftly transported 11 individuals to nearby hospitals, while reports indicate that additional victims sought medical attention by arriving at facilities in private vehicles. The conditions of those injured remain undisclosed, leaving the community anxiously awaiting updates on their neighbors and loved ones.
Local residents described a scene of confusion and fear as sirens pierced the night air. Charleen Rodgers, a nearby resident, recounted hearing the wail of sirens and witnessing police directing traffic at the intersection of Watson and Baldwin avenues. She noted the unprecedented scale of the response, with estimates of at least 50 officers converging on the area. Other neighbors initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks, a common sound during holiday weekends, only to realize the gravity of the situation as law enforcement flooded the scene. Some reports suggest that several victims fled into the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway in an attempt to escape the violence, necessitating water-based rescue efforts by emergency personnel.
Adding to the complexity of the response, a North Myrtle Beach police officer was injured during the operation when his firearm accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg. The officer was promptly transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. This incident, while separate from the primary shooting, underscored the high-stakes nature of the response as authorities worked to secure the area and assist victims.
The Horry County Police Department has assured the public that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the community. However, they have urged residents to avoid the Watson Avenue area to allow investigators and public safety personnel to carry out their work unimpeded. The department has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and dynamic, with details subject to change as new information emerges. At this time, no information regarding suspects or the motive behind the shooting has been released, leaving many questions unanswered.
Little River, located approximately 20 miles northeast of the bustling tourist hub of Myrtle Beach, is a community of just over 11,000 residents. Known for its deep-sea fishing charters, boat cruises, and the annual Blue Crab Festival, the town prides itself on its serene atmosphere and maritime heritage. The shooting, occurring in such a tight-knit area, has left residents grappling with a sense of disbelief. Social media posts from locals highlighted the heavy emergency presence, with some noting the unprecedented number of ambulances—up to a dozen—racing through the streets.
Authorities have called on the community to rely on official sources for updates, cautioning against speculation fueled by unverified reports. The incident follows another mass shooting in the region just a month prior, where one person was killed and 11 others were injured in Myrtle Beach, heightening concerns about gun violence in the area. As the investigation continues, the Horry County Police Department has promised to provide further details as they become available, offering hope that clarity and justice will soon follow for the victims and their families.
For now, Little River residents are left to process the trauma of an event that has disrupted their peaceful community. The sight of police boats patrolling the Intracoastal Waterway and the lingering presence of law enforcement serve as stark reminders of the night that changed their town. As the investigation progresses, the community holds its breath, hoping for answers and healing in the wake of this devastating event.
