S.C. beach bike rally calmer year after deadly event
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Authorities say this year's Atlantic Beach Bikefest has been much quieter than last year's violence-marred event.
Horry County officials reported that the event was winding down Monday, with heavy traffic heading away from the beach.
This year, one person was wounded in a Saturday night hotel shooting. Last year, Memorial Day weekend violence along the Grand Strand left three dead and seven wounded.
The murders of Devonte Dantzler, Jamie Williams, and Sandy Geddis Barnwell remain unsolved, CBS affiliate WCSC reported.
More dangerous this year may be the water. Authorities reported three drownings over the holiday weekend.
Police sent more officers and used new security measures, including a 23-mile, one-way loop to keep traffic moving and barricades along sidewalks.
In a statement, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce says that it's thankful for a calmer holiday weekend but that more must be done to ensure safety for everyone.