Crime
Graphic Video Captures Aftermath of Memorial Day Boat Dock Shooting in Little River
LITTLE RIVER, S.C. — A mass shooting near a docked boat on Watson Avenue in Little River on Sunday night has left at least 11 people hospitalized, prompting a major response from law enforcement and emergency personnel over the Memorial Day weekend.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. in the quiet coastal town, located approximately 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach.
According to the Horry County Police Department (HCPD), 11 individuals were transported to area hospitals by Horry County Fire Rescue units.
Authorities also confirmed receiving reports of additional victims who arrived at hospitals in personal vehicles.
Graphic video footage circulating on social media appears to show the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, which may have occurred near a dock where a boat was parked.
While the footage remains unverified, police have acknowledged the possibility that the boat is linked to the incident.
As of now, officials say there have been no reported fatalities.
The conditions of those injured have not been released. HCPD emphasized that this is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is currently no known threat to the broader community.
The scene, which is primarily residential with nearby boating businesses along the Intracoastal Waterway, was flooded with emergency vehicles late into the night.
Witnesses reported a heavy law enforcement presence, with dozens of officers, detectives, and emergency crews responding.
Investigators have not yet disclosed any suspect information or a possible motive. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area while public safety operations continue.
“The situation is fluid, and details may evolve as the investigation progresses,” officials said in a statement. “We encourage the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement or reputable news sources, as we cannot confirm the accuracy of information shared elsewhere.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Horry County Police Department.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.