Gunfire Erupts in Myrtle Beach Amidst Landlord-Tenant Dispute

Myrtle Beach: A Shocking Incident Unfolds

It’s a sunny day in Myrtle Beach, and the last thing anyone expects is to hear gunfire break out on a typical afternoon. But that’s exactly what happened on October 18th on Freedom Way, throwing our community into a state of alarm and confusion.

The Spark That Ignited Chaos

According to reports, the drama began when 60-year-old David Galfetti, a landlord in the area, pulled into the driveway of his rental property and launched into a tirade about rent hikes. Talk about bad timing! Witnesses said Galfetti was not only loud but also visibly intoxicated, admitting to being drunk right there on the scene. It seems that when he arrived, he really wanted to make a point about raising his tenants’ rent prices.

A Heated Confrontation

As tension built, 55-year-old Kevin Smith stepped outside of his apartment, only to find himself on the receiving end of Galfetti’s rage. The dispute escalated quickly. According to eyewitness accounts, Galfetti got right in Smith’s face, reportedly grabbing him by the throat and slamming him onto the ground. In a dramatic twist, he even claimed to have a gun in his pocket!

When Things Took a Dangerous Turn

Friends and onlookers jumped in to pull Galfetti off Smith, hoping to diffuse the situation. But once Galfetti got back into his car and attempted to drive away, Smith, clearly growing more agitated, rushed back inside his apartment. What he came out with, however, was shocking – a gun. Witnesses watched in disbelief as he fired at Galfetti’s vehicle, a truly alarming turn of events in our normally peaceful town.

Law Enforcement Steps In

Myrtle Beach police didn’t take long to respond to the chaos. After a thorough investigation into what had just occurred, both men found themselves facing serious legal troubles. Smith was hit with several charges including attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a vehicle, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Talk about a hefty list! He’s currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center with a bond set at $200,000.

As for Galfetti, he’s facing different charges: he was cited for third-degree assault, battery, and disorderly conduct due to his public intoxication. Fortunately for him, he managed to post a bond of nearly $1,600 and is no longer behind bars.

Community Reaction

This incident has left many Myrtle Beach residents feeling shocked and on edge. Folks are buzzing about it, and there’s a mix of concern and disbelief at how quickly things spiraled out of control. After all, who would expect a landlord-tenant dispute could lead to gunfire?

The community might be reeling right now, but it’s a stark reminder that disputes can get out of hand, quickly. We need to focus on keeping our lovely Myrtle Beach a safe place where we can live, work, and play without worrying about such shocking events occurring.

Stay Informed

As updates continue to roll in regarding the incident, it’s essential to stay aware and engaged with what is happening in our neighborhood. It’s our home, and we all want to keep it safe and sound. When it comes to Myrtle Beach, we love living here – let’s make sure it stays a great place for everyone!