MYRTLE BEACH, SC — A woman was taken into custody Saturday afternoon after allegedly brandishing a firearm near a planned demonstration in Myrtle Beach, according to police.
Officers observed the suspect display a gun from a vehicle around 2:09 p.m. near the protest area, authorities said.
She was arrested without incident and charged with pointing and presenting a firearm.
Key Points
- The incident occurred around 2:09 p.m. on Oct. 18 near a demonstration in Myrtle Beach.
- Police say the suspect displayed a firearm from her vehicle.
- Mary Moriarty, 59, of Surfside Beach, was arrested and charged.
Officers act quickly near protest area
The Myrtle Beach Police Department said officers patrolling near a planned demonstration witnessed the woman holding a gun while traveling in her vehicle. They immediately conducted a traffic stop and took her into custody.
Authorities identified the suspect as Mary Moriarty, 59, of Surfside Beach. Police said no one was injured and there was no threat to public safety following the arrest.
Investigation remains ongoing
Moriarty faces one count of pointing and presenting a firearm, a criminal offense under South Carolina law. The department did not specify whether the weapon was loaded or if it was displayed toward demonstrators.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department thanked the public for their cooperation during the incident.