Armed Hold-up at Myrtle Beach Candy Store Over Return Dispute
Man Accused Of Threatening Store Workers At Gunpoint
In the sunny streets of Myrtle Beach, calm was shattered when an armed confrontation occurred in the unlikely setting of a local candy store, resulting in a man facing serious charges in this extreme confrontation.
Joshua Kim, 36, stands accused of pulling a gun on two employees of the Sugar Life Ice Cream & Candy Bar on South Kings Highway late on Wednesday. According to arrest warrants, the alleged incident transpired when Kim was in dispute with the staff regarding a candy return.
Confrontation in Candy Store
The employees insist that when Kim was informed that the store could not process refunds, he pulled out a gun, threatening both employees. “He said, ‘I put a chunk in your head if you don’t bring me back my money, right now. It’s no lie. It’s no lie,’” stated Edilson Mejia, an employee at Sugar Life. Management at Sugar Life further emphasized that they make their no-return policy clear at the point of purchase.
The incident reportedly took place in front of multiple visitors, including children, leading to heightened concerns about their safety. “This is a candy store for families, for kids. It’s not for other people, drugs or, other things,” Mejia added.
Police Response & Arrest
Police arrived at the scene shortly after and analyzed the surveillance footage, which agreed with the employee testimonies. Later the same night, officers apprehended Kim and a woman identified as Chelsie Lowe, 35, at a resort on Ocean Boulevard.
During a subsequent search of a truck at the resort, officers reportedly uncovered 0.41 grams of cocaine and marijuana, leading to additional drug charges for Kim and Lowe. It’s worth noting that this is the same truck Kim and Lowe were seen departing from another related incident with three kids inside.
The Repercussions
Kim is facing serious charges, including two counts of pointing and presenting firearms at a person, unlawful conduct towards a child, and drug-related offenses. He currently resides at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, with a bond set at over $750,000.
As for Lowe, she posted bail for her drug charge, set at $615, and was released from the Myrtle Beach jail on Thursday.
Mallory George, mother to one of Kim’s children, expressed her disillusionment, “All I could do was thank God. Like, thank God that my son was not there. Because I don’t know what I would have done,” George said, adding that she hopes Kim can get help and sober up while behind bars for the sake of their child.
This unexpected altercation in Myrtle Beach serves as a stark reminder of the danger that can occur in even the most innocuous of places. Stay tuned to HERE News Network for further updates on this and other stories.
