UPDATE:
“NOT BIKERS!” Myrtle Mayhem Update : at least 14 arrested in violence. I’ve asked police why they are connecting it to bike week .. but they haven’t answered my questions. People trashing me for reporting it because they are “obviously not bikers.” But the reality is we don’t know if they are except we know they aren’t like me … typical old fat white Harley guy. stay tuned
Chaos Erupts During Myrtle Beach Bike Week: 14 Arrested After Main Street Brawls
I i’ve called North Myrtle Beach Police to ask them why they are connecting this to bike week other than it has been during bike week, but I have not gotten calls back.
UPDATE:
What was supposed to be another wild weekend during Myrtle Beach Bike Week turned into total chaos early Sunday morning after multiple fights exploded along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.
According to police, at least 14 people from North Carolina were arrested after a string of violent altercations broke out in the busy bar district during the annual rally weekend. Officers say the fights happened within about an hour and stretched across several locations near popular nightlife spots on Main Street.
Police were forced to jump from one disturbance to another as crowds packed the streets during one of the busiest motorcycle weekends of the year. Several officers reportedly suffered injuries while trying to break up the fights and make arrests. One officer was taken for medical treatment but is expected to recover.
Incident reports show the violence included assaults, resisting arrest, and large group fights outside bars in the entertainment district. In one case, officers said a woman continued kicking another woman in the head even while police tried pulling her away.
Authorities called in additional help to regain control of the area as tensions escalated. North Myrtle Beach police later released a statement saying they would not tolerate violence or disorderly conduct during Bike Week festivities.
Police have not confirmed whether all of those arrested were officially participating in Bike Week events, but the incidents happened during one of the biggest rally weekends on the Grand Strand. The Main Street bar scene has become a hotspot during past rallies as huge crowds pour into the area day and night.
This isn’t the first time fights and heavy police presence have made headlines during Myrtle Beach motorcycle events. Longtime rally veterans say the atmosphere has changed over the years as larger crowds and nightlife drama increasingly overshadow the riding culture that originally built the event.
Despite the chaos, thousands of bikers continue flooding into Myrtle Beach every year for the beaches, rides, concerts, bars, and brotherhood that made the rally famous in the first place.
Sources: WMBF News, WPDE ABC 15
ORIGINAL STORY
Police officers working security during Harley Bike Week in North Myrtle Beach ended up in the middle of multiple violent fights Saturday night, with several officers injured while trying to restore order in the Main Street bar district.
According to the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, officers responded to several assaults and large disturbances tied to Bike Week activity in the North Strand entertainment area. Police say multiple arrests were made as crowds became increasingly aggressive. One officer was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, though officials said the officer is expected to recover.
Authorities released a strong statement after the chaos, saying violence and assaultive behavior would not be tolerated during the annual rally. Officers reportedly maintained a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the weekend as thousands of riders and visitors packed the Myrtle Beach area for one of the biggest motorcycle events of the year.
While the overwhelming majority of riders came to enjoy the event peacefully, the incidents added to an already hectic weekend across the Grand Strand. Separate motorcycle-related crashes were also reported in Myrtle Beach, including one involving a pedestrian that left a person with life-threatening injuries.
Harley Bike Week has long brought massive crowds and economic activity to the Myrtle Beach area, but law enforcement agencies also prepare every year for spikes in traffic incidents, alcohol-fueled disturbances, and late-night fights. This year appears to be no exception.
North Myrtle Beach Police thanked responsible visitors and also credited the Horry County Police Department for assisting during the disturbances.