Hilton Head Island leaders weigh added safety measures following July 4th shooting

by Aaron Dixon

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - Town leaders say the shooting on July 4th on Coligny Beach is accelerating plans to expand surveillance and prompting new discussions about additional safety measures in the busy beach area.

Charges filed; more arrests possible

Court filings in Beaufort County show charges were officially filed Monday for Jayden Hawes, Marcello Royal, Quazier Davis and Christopher Capers.

Investigators say three suspects face attempted murder charges, while one suspect faces an accessory charge.

According to jail records, three of the suspects are still in the Beaufort County Detention Center, while Christopher Capers has bonded out.

Investigators said three of the suspects are 17 and one is 18.

Officials have said six people were originally taken into custody, but four were ultimately charged.

Fight escalated to gunfire

Investigators said the shooting followed a fight involving two groups of teenagers near the public volleyball court area on Coligny Beach. Authorities said the dispute escalated and led to gunfire, injuring seven people.

All seven people who were hurt are expected to recover, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrests tied to Cross Island Bridge stop, officials say

Video from the scene and nearby areas shows a heavy law enforcement presence on the Cross Island Bridge, where deputies said some suspects were arrested.

Officials said items were recovered during the stop.

Cameras credited with quick response; more upgrades planned

The Coligny area already has active surveillance, including a mobile security camera unit operated by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff P.J. Tanner said existing cameras helped deputies identify suspects and respond quickly.

“You could tell watching the video that there was maybe some tension between them,” Tanner said.

As part of a safety plan submitted by the sheriff’s office to the town, new and upgraded surveillance cameras are being installed across the Coligny area and will be monitored by the town, officials said.

Town leaders say the upgrades are tied to a multi-year pattern of late-night calls and incidents in the area, including loitering, fights, and cases involving firearms.

Town leaders consider next steps

Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry said the shooting is prompting a deeper discussion about expectations for public safety and how technology should support law enforcement.

“I think what it brings to the forefront is a more in-depth conversation between the council and the sheriff’s office. What is being provided? What is are the expectations of what we’re looking for? How does technology work in conjunction with that? … along those lines, we will be holding a special council meeting to address some of these issues,” Perry said.

Perry also said the town intends to take the matter seriously.

“Everything we have talked about is about kids in this community and creating a great home for them and when these thugs come in from out of town, we need to push them right back out. How? We are going to figure that out, but it’s going to be taken very seriously from a council standpoint,” Perry said.

Council meeting expected; options include patrols, security, parking changes

Town Councilman Steve DeSimone, who represents the Coligny area, said leaders are aiming to hold a council meeting later this week or early next week focused on public safety in the Coligny Beach area.

DeSimone said potential measures under discussion could include:

Increased patrols
Extra security for businesses and key gathering spots
Better crowd management strategies
Possible changes to public beach parking access at night, including limiting when certain lots are open or closed

DeSimone said another possible conversation item could be whether the town should explore creating its own police department.

Visitors react: “heartbreaking”

The shooting has rattled some visitors who say Coligny has long been viewed as a family-friendly destination.

Luke Fuller, a tourist who said he has visited Hilton Head Island for more than 20 years, said he believes increased patrols are needed.

“It’s crazy that you even have to say that, you know. Even two weeks ago, I would have never thought I would have to say that, but now absolutely. It’s just a heartbreaking situation,” Fuller said.