Hilton Head beach shooting on July 4 weekend leaves 8 injured as kids ran for cover
By Graham Cawthon
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, South Carolina (WJCL) — Four people have been charged and eight people were injured after a July 4 weekend shooting at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, where investigators say a fight between two groups escalated into gunfire.
The shooting happened at about 8:21 p.m. Saturday near the volleyball courts and close to the Tiki Hut restaurant at the public beach access area, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the free public beach was crowded with families celebrating the holiday when the violence broke out.
Investigators say the confrontation began with an argument, then a fistfight, before shots were fired. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with children running through sand dunes and emergency crews treating victims on the beach.
Eight people were injured, with wounds including gunshots to the stomach, neck and legs, officials said. Authorities have said the injuries appear to be nonfatal.
Beach patrol said the shooting happened near mile marker 59, steps from the Tiki Hut restaurant.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner said deputies used Flock camera technology to identify and track a suspect vehicle. Deputies stopped the car on the Cross Island Parkway bridge and detained six occupants.
During the stop, some people inside the vehicle threw evidence from the windows into the water, prompting a dive team search Sunday afternoon, Tanner said.
“We have the entire incident on video,” Tanner said. “And the quality of the video was remarkable.”
The sheriff’s office said four teenagers have been charged as adults:
Jayden Hawes, 18 — attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace Marcello Royal, 17 — attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated breach of peace Quazeir Davis, 17 — attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated breach of peace Christopher Capers, 17 — accessory after the fact
Officials have said the investigation remains active and more charges are possible.
Residents and visitors at the beach on Sunday said the shooting was a sobering reminder to make safety plans, especially with children.
“We have a safety location that will be that if we were to get separated on the beach and just kind of talk to them and prepare them for that,” said Christina Dickinson of Hardeeville.
Others said the violence was unsettling, even if they still planned to enjoy the island.
“It could happen anytime, anywhere. But that’s too bad,” said Brittney Gill, a visitor from Arizona. She and another visitor, Nicole Braich, also said young people involved showed “no awareness for the consequences of their actions.”
Ryan Costello, visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana, said he saw a heavy emergency response after the shooting, including police and firefighters, while traffic came to a standstill.
The shooting also drew an emotional response from Hilton Head Mayor Alan Perry, who said the incident hit close to home.
“I’ve been sick to my stomach since last night,” Perry said. “I can’t imagine my kids being down there. I know some other kids were down there that I know, and that’s what our future is.”
Town officials said they are working to schedule a special council meeting in response to the shooting and are seeking community feedback. A date has not been announced.
County leaders said they do not expect the incident to damage tourism or the island’s image, though some visitors said they were staying on alert.
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