MYRTLE BEACH, SC – A 2022 armed standoff in Myrtle Beach that began with an assault and kidnapping ended without injuries after a coordinated response between police, firefighters, and partner agencies.
Authorities said the incident occurred on Longleaf Circle in October 2022 when William Hodges assaulted and abducted his wife before barricading himself inside their home.
Hodges set the residence on fire and fired shots at officers before he was safely taken into custody.
Key Points
- William Hodges assaulted and kidnapped his wife in 2022.
- The suspect fired at police and set his home on fire before surrendering.
- Coordinated police and fire response led to a safe resolution and prosecution.
Coordinated response credited with saving lives
The Myrtle Beach Police Department reported that no one was hurt during the hours-long standoff, thanks to a multi-agency response involving local law enforcement, fire crews, and emergency teams. Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby homes as officers negotiated with Hodges, who eventually surrendered peacefully.
Police officials said the operation demonstrated effective teamwork under dangerous conditions, with responding units managing both an active threat and a growing structure fire.
Evidence leads to successful prosecution
In the days following the standoff, detectives and forensic teams gathered evidence that ultimately supported Hodges’ prosecution. Investigators credited the collaboration between police, fire investigators, and partner agencies for securing the conviction.
Authorities used the case to highlight the importance of interagency cooperation in resolving volatile incidents without loss of life.