News Summary
Thomas Long of Little River, SC is taking legal action against the Horry County Police Department, alleging false arrest and violation of his rights. Long’s troubles began in 2022 during a political campaign when a police officer ordered the removal of his campaign sign. Following that, he faced arrest under questionable circumstances after seeking help from the police. His lawsuit seeks damages and raises questions about police conduct in relation to political support.
Little River Man Takes a Stand Against Police Over False Arrest Claims
In a rather shocking turn of events, Thomas Long, a resident of Little River, South Carolina, has decided to take his battle to the courtroom against the Horry County Police Department. The lawsuit, filed on April 3, 2025, targets not just the police department, but also former Chief Joseph Hill and ex-Deputy Chief Brandon Strickland.
What Started It All?
The roots of this contentious legal matter trace back to the summer of 2022, a time when political campaigns were in full swing. Long is the son-in-law of Harold Worley, a former council member fighting for reelection. In an effort to support his father-in-law, Long placed a campaign sign on his private property, fully within his rights, back in May 2022. However, what followed seemed more like a plot twist from a crime drama than a political endeavor.
The Sign That Sparked Controversy
Things took a drastic turn when a police officer, allegedly acting on behalf of the Horry County Police Department, reportedly forced a man hired by Long to remove the campaign sign. To add to the ordeal, the officer is said to have used police lights to escort the individual. Long claims that this act not only destroyed his property but was also a directed action by the HCPD leaders.
Arrest Shrouded in Confusion
As if that wasn’t enough, Long’s troubles escalated further. During the campaign season, he found himself in a separate lawsuit against a neighboring business, alleging harassment by the HCPD towards him and his employees. In a seemingly unrelated event on June 6, 2022, Long called 911, seeking help to retrieve a hut that had been taken from his business, following earlier instructions from an HCPD officer. Instead of assistance, Long found himself being arrested without any clear reason or citation.
A Troubling Experience Behind Bars
Long’s account of his arrest reveals a distressing experience. He claims that the handcuffs were too tight, causing discomfort, and that he was placed inside an unventilated police cruiser. After about 20 minutes, he began losing consciousness and felt compelled to bang his head against the window in hopes of getting attention. Just when things couldn’t get worse, the arresting officer suddenly received a call instructing them to “unarrest” Long, returning him back to Little River. Interestingly, Long mentions that the officer loosened his cuffs only after he complained of losing feeling in his hands.
The Aftermath
Long was eventually released after a harrowing 25 minutes in the cruiser, only to receive a citation for the unlawful use of a 911 call. To his astonishment, Long later discovered that this citation never made it to court. His experience has left him feeling like his constitutional rights were violated and has now led him to seek justice through his lawsuit.
What’s at Stake?
In this bold legal maneuver, Long is aiming for more than just a simple apology. He is seeking actual damages, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and special damages, along with attorney’s fees and costs, as he pushes against what he perceives as unjust police actions.
Conclusion
Long’s story raises significant questions about the relationship between police conduct and political support in local elections. As this case unfolds in the courts, it serves as a reminder of the complexities often involved in seemingly straightforward community matters. One thing is for sure: Thomas Long’s legal battle isn’t just about him anymore; it’s a statement about accountability and rights for everyone in Little River.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Son-in-Law of Ex-Horry County Council Member Sues Police Department
- Post and Courier: Horry County Police Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit
- WMBF News: Lawsuit from Disabled Veteran Over Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Source
