Myrtle Beach police release stats on Atlantic Beach Bikefest, gun violence still an issue

Myrtle Beach police arrested or cited fewer people his year during Memorial Day weekend than 2015, but more citations or charges were filed, according to statistics by the department released Friday, and gun-related violence continues to be an issue, police said.

“We continue to struggle with gun related violence associated with this event. Of the six reports of shooting, our preliminary reports indicate that only one was not directly related to the event crowds,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Warren Gall in a release. “That being said, it is incumbent upon our local, state, and national associations who have expressed an interest in contributing to making the improvements needed as this event continues to change, to take a strong position on this violence, and participate in meaningful discussions with the city and the county task force to develop strategies that will work to the benefit of all involved.”

Myrtle Beach authorities arrested or cited 784 people this year compared with 809 last year, statistics reflect.

That number is continuing on a downward trend as shown by the fact that 1104 people were arrested or cited in 2014, numbers show.

However, the total number of citations or charges filed was up as 1,138 is the total in 2016 and 1,049 the total for 2015. The uptick is still less than the 1,464 total, according to records.

Gall pointed out in a released statement that progress is being made to improve safety for visitors and residents.

“Reduction in incidents of robberies and auto thefts is a positive step in the right direction. Our auto theft detail recovered 55 stolen motorcycles and engines, valued at an estimated $230,000,” Gall said who also added that incidents involving large unruly crowds or disruptive pedestrians were minimal at this year’s event, which shows their crowd control strategies were effective.

Gall also said the weather brought on by Tropical Storm Bonnie seemed to bring less of a crowd.

“The weather likely contributed to a smaller holiday crowd, as several of the statistical categories seem to reflect,” Gall said.

There was also no traffic fatalities this year, and one last year, police said.

“Our increased attention to traffic violations resulted in no traffic fatalities, and only a slight increase in reported collisions, thereby creating a safer event for the visitors and residents.”

Police also received less calls for service this year, getting 3,509 in 2016 and 4,106 in 2015, according to statistics.

Some serious crimes were also reported less in 2016 versus 2015 with one armed robbery in 2016 and six in 2015. Three strong armed robberies were reported in 2015 and just one in 2016. Criminal sexual assaults were down by two this year compared with last year, numbers show.

Gall also called the 23-mile traffic loop, back for its second year, a success, saying it thinned congestion on Ocean Boulevard.

New technology also assisted police in addressing criminal activity and several major investigations, Gall said.

“Surveillance cameras were instrumental in leading to the arrest of multiple offenders,” he said in the release.

About 600 officers came to Horry County from more than 45 state, local agencies to aid police in curbing violence and maintaining quality of life at the event and 77 volunteers also helped at the festival.

“The Myrtle Beach Police Department appreciates the assistance of our law enforcement partners from 40 plus agencies (local, state, federal), and our city teammates and volunteers,” Gall said.

Planning for the Atlantic Beach Bikefest 2017 as already begun, Gall said.

This story was originally published June 6, 2016 at 1:44 AM with the headline "Myrtle Beach police release stats on Atlantic Beach Bikefest, gun violence still an issue."