August 13, 2025

Seven Arrested After Armed Individuals Detected Near Playground

News Summary

Law enforcement officials arrested six adults and one juvenile on St. Helena Island following reports of armed individuals near a local playground. Deputies responded swiftly to reports that led them to detain a group of young men carrying firearms. The incident raised community safety concerns and highlighted the importance of vigilance in public spaces frequented by children. The six adults face charges related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while the juvenile was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina: Seven Arrested After Armed Individuals Detected Near Playground

On Monday, August 11, 2025, law enforcement officials arrested six adults and one juvenile on St. Helena Island after responding to reports of a group carrying firearms near a playground. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 3:35 p.m., prompting deputies to rush to the community center located on Scott Hill Road.

Upon arrival, deputies observed multiple males with firearms in close proximity to the playground, which is situated on county recreational property. It’s important to note that the carrying of weapons is strictly prohibited in this area according to Beaufort County Ordinance 90-96(h).

As deputies approached the scene, the individuals attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. In total, ten males, aged between 15 and 22, were detained during the operation. Among those arrested, six were identified as Elijah Johnson, Treyvion Doe, Joshua Warren, Damian Brown, Jakyri Sterling, and Nyzen Bennett, all of whom are 20 years old or younger.

All six adults now face charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The juvenile, a 17-year-old whose identity has not been disclosed due to legal protections for minors, was detained for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Following the incident, multiple firearms were seized by deputies, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The six adults were subsequently transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center for processing, while the juvenile was released to their parents or guardians after detention. The swift response by the local law enforcement and the subsequent arrests highlight the authorities’ commitment to ensuring community safety, particularly in areas frequented by children and families.

Details of the Incident

The inciting incident began when residents reported seeing a group of young men behaving suspiciously near the popular playground, which is a community hub for family activities and recreational events. The playground’s close location to the community center and residences underscores the need for vigilance in such spaces, especially where children are often present.

In the wake of the incident, The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reiterated the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities. The rapid response by law enforcement resulted in the prevention of any potential harm that could have arisen from the presence of armed individuals so close to children’s play areas.

Community Response and Context

Residents on St. Helena Island have expressed concerns regarding safety in public spaces, particularly those involving children. This incident has sparked discussions among community members about the rising concerns over gun-related incidents and youth involvement in unlawful activities. The playground where the arrests occurred has served as a vital community resource, frequented by families for recreational outings, making the incident particularly alarming.

The enforcement of Beaufort County Ordinance 90-96(h) serves as a reminder of the regulations in place to protect the community, especially where children are concerned. As local authorities continue to monitor safety in recreational areas, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately to local law enforcement.

The situation underscores the balance between individual rights and community safety, a pressing concern for many as public spaces evolve in the face of changing societal dynamics.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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