‘Disregard of human life’: Judge denies bond for 2 suspects in Ocean Blvd. shooting

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Bond was denied for two suspects who appeared for a bond hearing Tuesday afternoon following their arrest in connection with Sunday’s shooting on Ocean Boulevard.

Quandre Tyson, 20, of Pageland, appeared before Judge Clifford Welsh, who expressed genuine shock over the allegations against the defendant.

“I have never seen such a disregard of human life and recklessness in my life, and I’ve seen a lot,” Welsh said.

An officer who spoke during the hearing said the defendant was firing across traffic on Ocean Boulevard during a busy Sunday evening.

“I can’t believe somebody would open fire on Ocean Boulevard, as busy as it was. It was like the Fourth of July here this past Sunday,” Welsh said.

Anthony Griffin, 17, also of Pageland, was scheduled to appear for bond as well. Due to his age, Welsh did not allow media to be present during the hearing. According to the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court Clerk, his bond was denied as well.

Both Tyson and Griffin are each charged with seven counts of attempted murder.

Tyson Attorney, Blaine Massey did speak on his client’s behalf — stating Tyson only fired those shots in self-defense.

“He was actually defending himself, he was being shot at by about four or five others from what I understand,” said attorney Blaine Massey.

Massey told the judge his client would not be a problem if released on bond.

“If I may your honor my client will be living with his mother-in-law with the mother of his child with his child,” said Massey.

However, Judge Welsh saw differently.

“Okay, well, for now, he’s going to be living at J. Reuben Long Detention Center,” said Judge Welsh.

Police also announced that Dewon Cole, 18, of Kershaw, who they said is active duty in the U.S. Navy, was also arrested in connection to the shooting. They said he is in custody in Norfolk, Virginia and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina. He also faces seven counts of attempted murder.

Tristan Jackson, 18, of Monroe, was also arrested and charged in the case. He is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said a juvenile was also taken into custody and charged in connection to the shooting.

Meanwhile, the two suspects wanted by Myrtle Beach police are now in custody.

Myrtle Beach police announced Tuesday night that Antonio Brown Jr. was arrested. He faces eight counts of attempted murder.

Chesterfield County deputies announced on Tuesday the capture of Dennis Stewart.

Deputies said around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday they took him into custody without incident at his home in Cheraw.

Stewart will be taken back to Myrtle Beach where he will face eight counts of attempted murder.

“Sheriff Dixon would like to thank the citizens who provided tips in the capture of Dennis Dashawn Stewart,” the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office stated.

Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock wrote a letter to the community on Tuesday night and commended her officers for their quick response to the shooting that shook up the community.

Prock wrote:

“I want to commend my team for their dedication and quick response. Our officers were on scene within one minute and had three in custody within 12 minutes. We have taken a total of seven in custody within 48 hours. This goes to show that we have no tolerance for this behavior in our community. Do not come to Myrtle Beach to commit crimes. As demonstrated by these quick arrests, individuals who choose to commit crimes in our city will be held accountable. This weekend showed the commitment our team has to keep this city safe and hold violators accountable. Lastly I want to say thank you to our community for your continued support and for working with us to make our city a safer place.”

Copyright 2020 WMBF. All rights reserved.