South Carolina Beach Patrol Tragedy: Lawsuit Filed

Family Sandra “Sandy” Schultz-Peters filed a lawsuit against the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) — alleging that the beach safety director was distracted before he ran over Schultz-Peters with his large pickup truck near the beach last month Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Schultz-Peters, 66, of Myrtle Beach, died from injuries suffered during the June 13, 2024, incident that occurred shortly after 1 p.m. ET when a 2020 Ford Ranger driven by Cpl. Julian “The Prince” Brown it hit her while she was sunbathing.

According to the lawsuit (.pdf), “weather conditions were good” and Brown was “not responding to an emergency.” Additionally, Brown’s “view was not obstructed.”

The truck pinned Schultz-Peters to the sand, and terrified onlookers rushed to lift the vehicle to pull her off.

According to the lawsuit filed by the attorney W. Coleman Lawrimore of the Derrick Law Firm – Before Schultz-Peters’ death, there were several other incidents in which HCPD officers “seriously injured beachgoers by running them over with full-size motor vehicles.”

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The lawsuit also alleges that prior to Schultz-Peters’ death, “Brown, in the course of his duties as Beach Safety Director, had previously run over beachgoers’ personal belongings, including beach chairs, with a large motor vehicle.”

The complainant argued that HCPD should have been aware of these incidents.

“Brown shifted into gear, released the brake, pressed the gas pedal and manipulated the steering wheel to drive northbound on the beach,” the lawsuit states. “While doing so, Officer Brown became distracted and decided to operate his full-size motor vehicle on a public beach without first making sure that the path he was choosing to operate his full-size motor vehicle was clear of objects and beachgoers.”

The file included a disturbing image of Schultz-Peters sunbathing on a beach lounger as Officer Brown’s car approached her.

According to the lawsuit, several eyewitnesses testified that as the police car rolled over her, Schultz-Peters let out “what was described as the ‘ultimate scream.'”

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Schultz-Peters remained trapped under the vehicle until concerned witnesses managed to pry it away from her, at which point she was able to help them unlock her phone to make a call. Despite attempts to save her, Schultz-Peters died from her injuries at 3:09 p.m. ET — two hours after she was hit by the truck.

The information about the lawsuit was first reported Dylan Leatherwood television station WMBF TV 32 (NBC – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina).

The incident is being investigated by the SC Highway Patrol (SCHP), a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS).

After Schultz-Peters’ death, HCPD was criticized for failing to respond to media inquiries — or address the incident in a statement. On June 14, 2024, the agency finally commented on the tragedy.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this loss,” the statement said. “We also know our community has questions. We do, too.”

In addition to the SCHP investigation, HCPD is conducting an internal investigation into this incident.

“We have an obligation to ensure that investigations — both external and internal — are conducted without delay or obstruction,” the statement continued. “The Horry County Police Department provides all access and information the South Carolina Highway Patrol may need to complete its investigation.”

You can count on our media outlets to keep our readers updated with the latest information regarding both the investigation and the civil lawsuit.

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SUIT…

(Fifteenth Judicial District of SC)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Jenn Wood is the unparalleled Research Director at FITSNews. She is also a producer for FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated. podcasts and leading expert on all things Murdaugh/Justice in South Carolina. A former private investigator with a degree in criminal justice, villains beware, Jenn Wood is far from your average journalist! A deep researcher with a passion for truth and a heart for victims, this mother of two is a real-life superhero in FITSNews country. Did we mention she’s married to a rocket scientist? (Lucky guy!) Have a story idea or tip for Jenn? Email her at [email protected].

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