Scene of a traffic stop in Myrtle Beach illustrating concerns over police conduct.
Crystal Langston, a Myrtle Beach resident, has initiated a lawsuit against the Horry County Police Department, alleging racial profiling during a traffic stop. The incident, which occurred on September 10, 2024, involved officers claiming a window tint violation but failing to provide probable cause. Langston recounts damaging comments made by the police and a prolonged vehicle search. Her legal claims raise concerns about police conduct and transparency, as the community watches closely for the outcome in this significant case.
Crystal Langston asserts that the police officers pulled her over on the evening of September 10, 2024, simply because of the luxury vehicle she was driving. According to her lawsuit, the officers did not possess probable cause for the stop and inflicted damage on her car. The reasoning they provided for stopping her was a supposed violation of window tint laws, but Langston contests this assertion. She noted that it was dark outside at the time, making it hard for anyone to adequately gauge the tint on her windows.
Not stopping there, Langston recounts that the officers even misidentified her vehicle as a Bentley, leading to some rather uncomfortable comments suggesting that she “would be the perfect courier” for drug trafficking activities. This has raised serious concerns regarding racial profiling and inappropriate conduct by law enforcement.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. while Langston was returning home after a long day at a family farm. Officer Lance Cpl. Charles Kessler initiated the stop shortly after passing her car, allegedly acting on some ‘radio information’ regarding her vehicle’s distinctive color. Dash-cam footage indicates that Kessler was speeding to reach Highway 378 to stop Langston, raising questions about the motivations behind the stop.
Following the initial stop, multiple officers from the Street Crimes Unit arrived on the scene. They performed a quick six-second search of Langston’s car using a police dog, which was then followed by a more thorough search that lasted around 30 minutes. During this time, Kessler expressed skepticism about Langston and her car, making comments that reflected a mistrust of her background.
After the ordeal, Langston noticed marks and additional damage on her precious Rolls-Royce that she claims were caused by the police during the search. Her lawsuit holds the officers accountable for false arrest, unlawful search, negligence, and even hints at a civil conspiracy. She suggests that Kessler couldn’t have seen the alleged window tint violation due to the positioning of his car during the stop, reinforcing her belief that this was an unwarranted traffic stop.
In the complaint, Langston argues that the officers acted on a “wholly pretextual belief” that her high-end vehicle was involved in illegal activities. This raises eyebrows about police training and supervision, with Langston alleging that the HCPD has created an environment where illegal searches are commonplace, possibly motivated by financial gains from asset seizures.
The lawsuit also points out a troubling lack of transparency within the police department, claiming that the county does not provide public access to stop footage unless individuals file lawsuits. Her legal action was officially filed on March 24, 2025, and as of now, officials from HCPD, including spokesperson Mikayla Moskov, have chosen not to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
As this case develops, the community watches closely, with many residents hoping for a resolution that addresses the serious concerns raised about racial profiling and police conduct. Crystal Langston’s brave stance is a reminder of the ongoing discussions about justice and equality in law enforcement. Let’s keep an eye on this unfolding story!
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