Arrest Made In Connection With Fatal Myrtle Beach Hit-and-Run

Mei Lin

3 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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Details of the Fatal Accident

The fatal accident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, at approximately 10:45 PM on Ocean Boulevard near 14th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Jane Doe (name withheld pending family notification), was struck by a dark-colored SUV, believed to be a late-model Ford Explorer. The impact caused catastrophic injuries, resulting in Ms. Doe's death at the scene. Initial reports from responding Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) officers indicated a lack of immediate witnesses, but a passing motorist did call 911. The accident scene was immediately secured, and the MBPD's accident reconstruction team was deployed.

The Investigation: Tracing the Suspect

The Myrtle Beach Police Department launched an extensive investigation into the fatal hit and run. Their investigation included:

• Gathering Evidence: Investigators meticulously collected evidence at the accident site. This included securing fragments of the suspect vehicle's bumper and other debris, analyzing tire tracks, and searching for any potential video footage from nearby businesses or security cameras.
• Witness Accounts: Police appealed to the public for any information or witness accounts related to the accident. While initial reports were sparse, several tips eventually led investigators to a potential suspect and vehicle description.
• Suspect Vehicle Description: The crucial piece of evidence came from a witness who remembered seeing a dark-colored SUV with front-end damage speeding away from the scene shortly after the impact. This detail, combined with the vehicle parts recovered, helped narrow down the potential suspect vehicles.
• Vehicle Registration: Using the recovered vehicle parts and the witness description, investigators were able to trace the vehicle to its registered owner, leading them to the prime suspect.

The Arrest and Charges

On Friday, October 27th, 2023, the MBPD apprehended the suspect, identified as John Smith (name changed for privacy purposes pending formal charges and trial), at his residence located on Kings Road in Myrtle Beach. Smith was taken into custody without incident and transported to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. He has been formally charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Bond was set at $100,000. His arraignment is scheduled for November 7th, 2023.

Community Response and Support

The Myrtle Beach community has expressed profound sadness and outrage over the incident. Many residents have voiced their frustration at the reckless disregard for human life demonstrated by the suspect. An online fundraising campaign has been established to support Ms. Doe's family with funeral expenses and other related costs. Several local support groups and community organizations have also offered their assistance. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate victim’s family, underscoring the importance of responsible driving and stringent enforcement of traffic laws in Myrtle Beach.

Conclusion

The arrest in the fatal Myrtle Beach hit-and-run case marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and their loved ones. The meticulous investigation by law enforcement demonstrates their commitment to solving serious crimes within the community and bringing perpetrators to justice. While the legal process continues, this development brings a sense of closure and hope for healing. Stay informed about the latest developments in this case and other important Myrtle Beach crime news by following [link to news source/website]. For more information on similar Myrtle Beach hit and run cases, explore our archives. Remember, reporting suspicious activity helps keep our community safe and prevents future Myrtle Beach hit and runs.