A Horry County officer “became distracted” and hit a woman on the beach, a lawsuit alleges

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – The family of a 66-year-old man who died after being run over by a Horry County police officer is filing a lawsuit, claiming the officer was distracted.

The estate of Sandy Schultz-Peters filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Horry County police on Friday.

Schultz-Peters, a Myrtle Beach resident, went to the beach on June 13, a day described in the lawsuit as sunny.

Lt. Julian “Duke” Brown drove onto the Nash Street Public Beach Access at approximately 1 p.m. in a large 2020 Ford Ranger patrol car.

The lawsuit states that despite having good visibility, Brown had his vision not blocked and did not respond to the emergency.

According to the lawsuit, Brown had every opportunity to meet Schultz-Peters on the beach but became distracted and decided to drive down the beach without checking for people or objects.

Instead of checking, Brown drove the truck into Schultz-Peters, who became trapped under the wheel for several minutes, the lawsuit alleges.

Witnesses took her truck, and she died that same afternoon “in conscious pain, suffering and fear to a degree that no human being should have to endure.”

The lawsuit argues that as HCPD’s director of beach safety, Brown should be the most competent person in the agency regarding beach safety.

The lawsuit also mentions that Brown, while serving in the same role, had previously run over someone’s property on the beach.

The documents show that HCPD knew or should have known about the previous incident.

Schultz-Peters’ family accuses HCPD of gross negligence, negligent supervision, training and detention, and wrongful death.

They are seeking damages in excess of $100,000 and request a jury trial.

WMBF News has reached out to HCPD for comment on the lawsuit. We are awaiting a response.

The full text of the lawsuit can be read below:

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