Myrtle Beach Police Dept.vehicle during investigation. Photo by Ivan Kokoulin

Myrtle beach police dept. By ivan kokoulin — Myrtle Beach Police Dept.vehicle during investigation. Photo by Ivan Kokoulin

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Myrtle Beach Police Department is responding to viral social media videos showing multiple arrests in the parking lot outside Myrtle Beach City Hall, saying the enforcement action resulted from routine patrols in an area that has been designated a no-loitering zone for years.

In a statement released Sunday, the department said officers conducted “keep checks” at the City Hall parking lot on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, after receiving ongoing requests and complaints from community members about activity in the area.

Police said officers observed multiple people actively violating local and state laws during those patrols.

Police cite multiple violations during enforcement

According to the department, officers detected the odor of marijuana while checking the area and made several arrests for offenses that included open containers of alcohol, drinking in public, loitering, and other violations.

The department did not disclose how many people were arrested or identify those taken into custody.

In addition to the arrests, officers said they safely located a person who had previously been reported missing.

“The Myrtle Beach Police Department is aware of videos circulating on social media showing multiple arrests in the City Hall parking lot,” the department said. “The parking lot has been posted as a ‘no loitering’ area for several years.”

Officials added that officers “regularly conduct keep checks of the area in response to requests, complaints and concerns raised by community members.”

Department says enforcement will continue

As videos of the arrests spread online, the department emphasized that it will continue enforcing laws in the City Hall parking lot while also connecting people experiencing hardships with available community resources.

“MBPD will continue to enforce the law while also working alongside local resources and community partners to connect individuals in need with available services and support,” the department said.

The statement comes as Myrtle Beach continues to experience heavy summer tourism, when police typically increase enforcement efforts in high-traffic public areas to address quality-of-life complaints, alcohol violations, and other public safety concerns.

Key Points

Myrtle Beach police say viral arrest videos show routine enforcement in a long-established no-loitering area.
Officers made several arrests for alleged violations including loitering, public drinking, and open container offenses.
Police also located a person who had been reported missing during the enforcement operation.

FAQ

Why were officers making arrests?
Police said they observed violations including loitering, open containers of alcohol, drinking in public, and other offenses.
Where did the arrests occur?
In the City Hall parking lot in Myrtle Beach.
Why were officers in the area?
The department said it routinely conducts patrols there following complaints and concerns from community members.
Did police recover anyone else during the operation?
Yes. Officers said they safely located a person who had been reported missing.
Will enforcement continue?
Yes. The department said it will continue enforcing laws while working with community partners to connect people with available services.

Source: Myrtle Beach Police Department Facebook

Myrtle Beach police say multiple arrests captured in viral videos were part of routine enforcement in a posted no-loitering area outside City Hall.

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