Crime & Public Safety
Horry County police carry out operation in Longs neighborhood; press briefing scheduled
Horry County Police Department officers established a heavy presence in a Longs neighborhood on Wednesday amid reports of helicopter activity and possible gunfire and explosions. The operation focused in the Freemont Road and Radius Road area, and HCPD says an on-camera statement will be given by Chief Kris Leonhardt at 11:00 a.m. regarding the response.
According to the department, residents reported hearing a helicopter and what they described as gunfire and explosions on Wednesday morning. HCPD spokesperson Ashley Boles said the ongoing police operation prompted the concentrated deployment and that outside agency partners are involved in the response. The department warned that available public information will be limited because of the nature of the investigation.
Agency action to date includes securing the neighborhood with a visible police presence and coordinating with partner agencies; officials have scheduled the press conference to provide further updates. At this time the department has characterized the reported helicopter and sound events as allegations reported by residents rather than confirmed findings.
Current status: HCPD continues the investigation and has not released additional factual determinations publicly; the scheduled 11:00 a.m. briefing was cited by the department as the primary opportunity to convey confirmed information to the community.
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