Man goes to hospital for mental health after being shot by pellet gun at campground, man third victim, police said

Aug. 08--A man was taken to the hospital for possible mental health issues after being shot in the arm by a pellet gun at a local campground, making him the third victim shot by what appears to be a pellet gun in a short time period, police said.

Officers were called about 3 a.m. Friday to the Myrtle Beach KOA campground at 613 Fifth Avenue South and found a 46-year-old man had been shot in the right arm by a possible pellet gun, authorities said.

Police said an area on the victim's arm near his shoulder was red and swollen, but the skin was not broken; however, authorities said the victim was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center for "possible mental health issues brought about by this incident," according to a police report.

Authorities said they checked the area at the campground, but didn't find any suspects.

Officers noted in the report that this was the second incident involving someone shot by a possible pellet gun in a short time period.

Police said two children were struck in the first incident, but the details around that case were not available, and there was no suspect description given in either instance, according to the report.

Authorities said campground management and security officials are searching for the suspect or suspects involved and are actively patrolling the grounds.

Elizabeth Townsend: 843-626-0217, @TSN_etownsend

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