Politixia
Residents in the Longs area on Wednesday morning woke up to several loud booms, a black helicopter and many law enforcement officers.
The police presence was due to an apparent raid of homes and arrests by the Horry County Police, according to Chief Kris Leonhardt during a press conference Wednesday. The arrests follow a months-long narcotics investigation involving HCPD’s Narcotics Team, Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), Gang Unit, Special Operations Division, and Street Crimes Team, according to a press release.
Video posted on social media shows a black helicopter circling in the area and people reported hearing loud bangs and smoke in the area.
The Horry County Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service, made multiple arrests Wednesday morning in the Freemont Road area of the Longs community. The operation also received assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.
The coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals, several of whom are known to law enforcement and have prior violent criminal histories, the release said. The operation also led to the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics, firearms, and money.
The operation is part of Horry County Police’s ongoing effort to seek out individuals in the county who are participating in “gang violence” and “gang activities.” The investigation is still active and ongoing, Leonhardt told reporters.
“Today is a good day in Horry County. Our teams put their specialized training to work, resulting in the removal of drugs, guns, money, and individuals who pose a threat to our community,” Leonhardt said.
The following individuals have been arrested and are facing pending charges, according to police:
⦁Lecephrus Pierce – Pending drug charges
⦁Devante Claridy – Pending drug charges
⦁Travon Floyd – Pending drug charges
⦁Steven Bellamy – Pending drug charges
⦁Jaquez Young – Pending drug charges
⦁Kyheem Bellamy – Pending drug charges
⦁Rondell Bellamy – Pending weapons charges
⦁Shaheem Williams – Pending drug charges
⦁Cephus Pierce – Pending drug charges
⦁Shatara Soles – Pending obstruction charge.
Kate Robins is a breaking news reporter for The Sun News. Originally from North Carolina, Robins graduated from the University of South Carolina. Her work has appeared in papers across the Carolinas, including The Charlotte Observer and the State Newspaper.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings