A woman was tragically killed on a South Carolina beach after being run over by a beach patrol officer who has since retired. This incident has left many in shock and mourning.
According to the agenda of the Horry County Public Safety Committee, Lance Cpl. Julian “Duke” Brown’s service weapon will be declared as surplus property and made available to him after his retirement through a proposed resolution.
Ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Debby, both Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster have taken action by declaring a state of emergency.
On July 26, Brown retired, as confirmed by the Horry County Police Department.
Back in June, Sandy Schultz-Peters was struck by a Horry County Police pickup truck driven by Brown while she was on the beach, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
According to troopers, Brown was entering the beach from the Nash Street beach access located near Springmaid Pier. As he turned onto the sand, he collided with Schultz-Peters.
The victim’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming that Brown failed to check for people or objects in the way before driving on the beach.
Authorities reported that a vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on South Carolina Highway 64 on Saturday morning.
Several individuals came forward to assist in removing the truck from on top of her. Despite their efforts, she ultimately passed away later that same day.
According to the lawsuit, Brown, in his capacity as the beach safety director for the Horry County Police Department, is expected to possess the highest level of expertise in beach safety among the agency’s personnel.
According to the lawsuit, Brown had also driven over someone’s belongings on the beach prior to the incident with Schultz-Peters.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a missing woman and a man who may have valuable information regarding her whereabouts.
After the crash, Brown was put on administrative leave.
Throughout his entire career, Brown had served as the beach safety director since 1988, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the field.