Horry County Police update beach vehicle policy after fatal crash

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County Police are changing some of their policies after a woman was killed by a police cruiser on the beach last week.

On Monday, the South Carolina Highway Patrol released the name of the trooper driving the beach patrol car that struck and killed 66-year-old Sandy Schultz-Peters as she sat on the beach last week.

Now, HCPD representative Mikayla Moskov said the department will keep the trucks on the beach but will reduce the number of calls they are used on. They will increase the use of all-terrain vehicles and respond to calls on foot.

THE STORY CONTINUES BELOW THE VIDEO

In addition, Moskov said the HCPD beach patrol team will continue to attend annual department-wide emergency vehicle training as well as annual beach patrol training, which includes instruction in beach driving.

At this time, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is still the lead agency investigating the accident and the investigation is ongoing.

You can read the full statement from the HCPD below:

The Horry County Sheriff’s Department recognizes the magnitude of the loss our community is experiencing following the tragic incident involving one of our employees at the beach last week. Our condolences go out to all who are grieving.

As with any incident involving our personnel, HCPD has retained an outside agency to conduct an independent investigation; the work of the South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently active and ongoing. It is critical that the SCHP investigation proceed without delay or interference.

Independent of the SCHP traffic investigation, HCPD immediately began reviewing policies, procedures and community needs to determine next steps.

What we can currently provide is a summary of our beach patrol’s response at the time of the incident and the beach patrol’s current response.

The HCPD Beach Patrol uses a variety of equipment, including trucks, ATVs, jet skis and boats, to patrol Horry County beaches from Little River to Murrells Inlet.

The type of vehicle used depends on the date/time, service needs and current beach visitor volume.

HCPD Beach Patrol Team members complete annual department-wide emergency vehicle operations training and also attend annual beach patrol training, which includes instruction in beach driving.

In light of this tragedy, HCPD has reduced the use of trucks and increased the use of foot and all-terrain vehicle patrols. Trucks remain critical for some response operations due to certain emergency equipment and transportation needs of community members.

HCPD wants to ensure the SCHP investigation is conducted in a timely manner and with integrity, so we have few additional details to share at this time. Regardless, our commitment to this community remains unchanged.

All rights reserved.