Georgetown, SC – 17-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with July 17 Shooting on Prince Street
GEORGETOWN, SC – The Georgetown Police Department has announced the arrest of a 17-year-old male in connection with a recent shooting that rocked a quiet neighborhood on Prince Street. The incident occurred on the evening of July 17, 2025, in the 2500 block of Prince Street and prompted an immediate and intensive investigation by local authorities.
According to police officials, officers were dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers found shell casings scattered along the roadway and discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The swift response by law enforcement and cooperation from members of the community allowed investigators to quickly piece together crucial details surrounding the shooting. Through a combination of eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, police were able to identify the suspect as a 17-year-old male resident of Georgetown. Due to his age, his name has not been publicly released.
On the morning of July 18, Georgetown Police officers, with support from the Waccamaw Task Force, took the suspect into custody without incident. Authorities also executed a search warrant at a residence believed to be connected to the case and recovered a firearm they believe was used in the shooting. Ballistics testing is currently underway to confirm its connection to the crime.
The teenager now faces several charges, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor. He is currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice while awaiting a court hearing. Depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings, prosecutors may consider charging him as an adult given the seriousness of the offense.
Police Chief William Pierce addressed the media in a brief press conference following the arrest. “This is a tragic example of how quickly violence can erupt and disrupt the safety of our neighborhoods,” Chief Pierce said. “Thanks to the quick work of our officers and the support of community members, we were able to make an arrest and begin the process of seeking justice. Our hearts go out to the victim and their family during this difficult time.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting or those involved to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Georgetown Police Department’s Crime Tip Line or via the department’s official website.
Community leaders and concerned residents have expressed alarm and sadness over the incident, particularly in light of the suspect’s young age. Local activists and clergy are calling for renewed efforts to engage at-risk youth and address the underlying issues—such as poverty, lack of resources, and gun accessibility—that often contribute to such violent episodes.
“This is not just a police issue; it’s a community issue,” said Rev. Leonard Hastings of the Georgetown Interfaith Coalition. “When a child picks up a gun and decides to shoot another human being, something has gone terribly wrong in our homes, our schools, and our streets. We need to come together as a community to make sure our children are safe and that they have alternatives to violence.”
As Georgetown continues to recover from the shock of the shooting, city officials are planning a community forum to discuss public safety, youth intervention programs, and ways to improve trust between law enforcement and residents. Details for that forum are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Anyone with information related to the shooting on Prince Street is encouraged to contact the Georgetown Police Department at (843) 545-4300 or submit a tip online.