A Florence man has been arrested after investigators say he fired a shot during an early morning dispute outside a Myrtle Beach hotel on South Ocean Boulevard.
A South Carolina man is facing felony charges following a shooting investigation that began along Myrtle Beach’s busy oceanfront district earlier this month.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department announced that Darnell Antonio Richardson, 38, of Florence, was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Richardson has been charged with First-Degree Assault and Battery and Felon in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition.
Argument Escalated to Gunfire
The charges stem from a shooting reported at approximately 5:22 a.m. on June 12 in the 100 block of South Ocean Boulevard.
According to investigators, Richardson became involved in a verbal altercation with another individual at the Bar Harbor Hotel.
Police allege the dispute escalated when Richardson discharged a firearm and fired a round in the direction of the victim.
Despite the gunfire, no injuries were reported.
U.S. Marshals Assisted in Arrest
Following the investigation, detectives identified Richardson as the suspect and obtained charges against him.
Members of the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Richardson.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department credited federal authorities for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.
Investigation Led to Firearm Charges
In addition to the assault charge, Richardson faces a weapons offense for allegedly possessing a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so under the law.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the altercation or where Richardson was taken into custody.
As with all criminal defendants, Richardson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Darnell Antonio Richardson, 38, of Florence, was arrested in connection with a Myrtle Beach shooting investigation.
• Police said Richardson allegedly fired a shot during a dispute at the Bar Harbor Hotel on South Ocean Boulevard.
• No injuries were reported, and Richardson faces assault and firearm-related charges.
Myrtle Beach Police Department, Myrtle Beach shooting, South Ocean Boulevard, Bar Harbor Hotel, Darnell Antonio Richardson, Florence South Carolina, assault and battery