Crime
At least 11 people injured after mass shooting on Watson Avenue in Little River
LITTLE RIVER, SC – The Horry County Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday night on Watson Avenue near the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River, resulting in at least 11 individuals being transported to area hospitals.
According to officials, the incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. in a primarily residential neighborhood that also houses several boating-related businesses.
Emergency response was swift, with Horry County Fire Rescue units transporting 11 victims, while additional individuals reportedly arrived at local hospitals by personal vehicles.
The conditions of the injured have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting occurred near a docked boat, with video footage from earlier in the evening possibly connected to the incident.
A significant law enforcement and emergency response presence was observed at the scene, with dozens of police units and ambulances deployed.
Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident, and have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
However, residents are urged to avoid the area while police and public safety personnel continue their work.
The Horry County Police Department emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and details may change as more information becomes available.
At this time, no suspect information or motive has been released.
Authorities encourage community members to rely on official sources, such as law enforcement and trusted news outlets, for verified updates.
Further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Little River is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach and is known for its quiet residential areas and maritime activity.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.