North Myrtle Beach residents received a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilant public safety when a homemade bomb was discovered tucked in the bushes beside the portable restroom at the 12th Avenue North beach access. The device was reported on Monday afternoon, secured by the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, and then handed to the Horry County Bomb Squad for safe removal and destruction at the Conway Bombing and Gunnery Range.
Timeline of Events
At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a call about a suspicious object near the beach access. A department spokesperson confirmed the item was an explosive device and that it had been taken to the bomb squad without incident. The squad later reported that the device was destroyed at the range on International Drive, a location previously used for similar disposals.
Police also noted that a thorough sweep of the area found no additional devices and that the beach access was reopened after the bomb squad cleared the scene. The swift response ensured that no members of the public were harmed.
Why the Investigation Still Needs Help
Investigators believe the bomb may have been placed on Sunday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., meaning it could have sat in a public area for up to 24 hours during a busy fall tourism season. To piece together what happened, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department is actively seeking witnesses who were at the 12th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard access on Sunday. Anyone who saw a suspicious object, heard unusual activity, or captured photos or video is asked to contact the department immediately.
Agency Transparency and Public Records
Both the city police department and Horry County’s bomb squad have been forthcoming about the basic facts of the incident, but they have declined to release a full incident report while the criminal investigation remains open. A records custodian for Horry County indicated that the county does not retain a report because the city police were the primary responders. The city, in turn, can only comment on the initial call and not on the bomb squad’s findings.
While withholding certain details is understandable to protect the integrity of the investigation, residents have a right under South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act to know which agency documented the response and when those records will become public. The police have indicated that a report will be filed and made available once the investigation permits.
Context of Explosive Calls in the Area
Horry County has dealt with several explosives-related incidents this year. In February, a fused cannonball discovered near 48th Avenue South was detonated after being identified as live ordnance. Earlier that month, a traffic stop on South Ocean Boulevard led to the seizure of bomb‑making materials, though no connection to the recent beach device has been established. In 2024, a homeowner’s garage‑sale purchase of an old military item was also destroyed by the bomb squad.
Those prior incidents typically involved old ordnance or accidental discoveries. The current device, however, was deliberately manufactured and placed at a family‑friendly beach amenity, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
What Families Should Know
North Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for families seeking safe, clean beach experiences. The swift action by local law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to protecting residents and visitors alike. Parents are encouraged to remain alert, report any suspicious objects promptly, and cooperate with investigators by sharing any relevant information.
As the investigation continues, the police will keep the community updated. In the meantime, the beach access remains open and safe for public use.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
