North Myrtle Beach, SC — May 26, 2025

What began as a quiet evening along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway turned into a full-scale police siege on Sunday night, as a dramatic and chaotic standoff unfolded at Harbourgate Marina. Witnesses say the scene resembled a five-star police pursuit straight out of Grand Theft Auto — complete with drones, armored vehicles, SWAT teams, and the piercing sound of police commands echoing off the water.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police, state troopers, and SWAT units, descended upon the Harbourgate Marina Resort after reports of a dangerous armed suspect barricading himself inside a houseboat. The confrontation has already resulted in gunfire, at least one officer being shot in the leg, and multiple victims reportedly injured — with some early accounts citing over 10 gunshot wounds inflicted during the chaos.

Eyewitnesses Describe a Scene of Unbelievable Tension

Residents in nearby condos and vacation rentals were suddenly thrust into the middle of an unfolding crisis, forced to take cover inside their rooms as drones flew overhead and law enforcement swarmed the area.

“Prayers for everyone involved,” one resident posted in real-time. “We’re watching a scene out of Grand Theft Auto right now from our balcony — a guy is holed up in a houseboat and police are surrounding every corner of the marina and our condo building. We can hear the police saying, ‘Shooter — we know you are in there. We have you surrounded. Come out with your hands up.’”

Dozens of police vehicles blocked major access points around the scene, including Sea Mountain Highway, Old Highway 17 North, and the swing bridge leading to the marina. Officials sealed off the entire Harbourgate area, effectively turning the resort and its surrounding community into a locked-down zone.

Witnesses report seeing at least three drones in the air, possibly used for surveillance and tactical support. Some observers claimed the drones were peering into nearby condo windows, leading to speculation that authorities were using them to search for additional suspects or prevent residents from livestreaming and recording sensitive operations.

SWAT Storms Boat, Comes Up Empty-Handed — Then Crime Scene Unit Steps In

In one of the most dramatic moments of the night, SWAT teams infiltrated a houseboat they believed the suspect was hiding in — only to emerge empty-handed. Residents who filmed the moment believed the operation was over, but what followed suggested otherwise.

“Update: We thought they came out empty-handed, but now they are taking crime scene photos of the boat I filmed them raiding,” one witness said. “I think I filmed something insanely epic.”

Police K9 units have since begun sweeping the entire marina, moving from boat to boat in a methodical search for the suspect, who remains at large or potentially barricaded elsewhere on the premises. Authorities have not confirmed the suspect’s identity or whether they believe he may still be hiding in the vicinity.

Community on Lockdown, Public Told to Stay Inside

With tensions at a boiling point and uncertainty hanging in the air, law enforcement has instructed all nearby residents and vacationers to remain inside their rooms and avoid windows. A witness described a “bright light shining in from the opposite side of our condo, making us afraid to even go to our windows and look outside.”

As of late Sunday night, the scene remains highly active, with law enforcement continuing their search. Medical teams are also present, reportedly treating victims, though exact numbers and the extent of injuries remain unconfirmed.

A Developing Story with Major Public Safety Concerns

This is a developing story with many moving parts. Authorities are expected to provide a briefing once the situation is brought under control. For now, the public is urged to avoid the area and follow all law enforcement directives.

Residents of Harbourgate Marina and surrounding neighborhoods are asked to shelter in place and stay tuned to official announcements from North Myrtle Beach Police and emergency services.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

If you or someone you know is in the area and has video or information to share with authorities, please contact North Myrtle Beach Police Department immediately.