Beaufort, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort’s Cross Creek Shopping Plaza is grappling with escalating safety fears following three shooting incidents in one week. Employees express anxiety about the risks associated with their workplace, with some considering career changes. Police have made arrests but ongoing investigations leave the community hopeful for a peaceful resolution. Management is altering safety protocols to ensure employee security while the search for answers continues.
Beaufort has recently witnessed growing safety concerns following three separate shooting incidents at the Cross Creek Shopping Plaza within a week. These events have escalated anxiety among both shoppers and employees at the plaza.
Amid the unrest, an employee, known as ‘Cee’, has expressed significant anxiety about coming to work, fearing potential violence in their workplace. Another employee, Jayshawn, has indicated a serious consideration of switching careers due to the heightened safety issues at their place of employment. Furthermore, an anonymous employee shared feelings of unease, recognizing that the violent incidents could easily have involved anyone working at or visiting the plaza.
On Monday, Beaufort police were dispatched to the shopping plaza for two unrelated reports of shots fired within hours of each other. During this response, two men were arrested, and one person was reportedly assaulted. Notably, no gunshot injuries were recorded during these occurrences. The employees remain hopeful for a safe shopping environment, where threats of violence, property damage like car break-ins, or even flat tires are absent.
The situation worsened on Monday night when police returned to the plaza around 8:53 p.m. for another shooting incident. In this event, one person was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the identity of the deceased victim. Coolly, no other injuries were reported during this tragic incident; however, there was notable damage to the exterior wall of a nearby Little Caesars restaurant.
Active investigations are currently underway by the Beaufort Police regarding the shooting death, yet no descriptions of suspects or motives have been publicly shared at this time. Police officials have urged anyone with relevant information to contact Lieutenant Mendicino at 843-322-7911 or to submit anonymous tips via the Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County with the P3 Tips app or by calling 1-844-847-7238, specifically referencing case #25B34154.
In response to the recent incidents, management at one of the businesses located within the plaza has taken precautionary measures by altering employee parking arrangements. Employees are now required to park at the front of the plaza before dark and to exit through the front door to enhance their safety.
The surge in violence has sparked conversations about safety protocols in retail environments and the psychological impact on those who work in locations that experience such troubling incidents. As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful for peace and safety to return to the Cross Creek Shopping Plaza.
FAQ Section
What has occurred at Beaufort’s Cross Creek Shopping Plaza recently?
Three separate shooting incidents have occurred in the last week at Beaufort’s Cross Creek Shopping Plaza, raising safety concerns among shoppers and employees.
What are employees saying about their safety at the plaza?
An employee, identified as ‘Cee,’ expressed anxiety about coming to work due to the fear of potential violence. Another employee, Jayshawn, stated he is considering switching careers because safety at work has become an issue.
What steps are being taken to improve safety at the plaza?
Following the recent shootings, management at one business changed employee parking rules, requiring staff to park up front before dark and to exit through the front door.
What actions have the police taken regarding the shootings?
Beaufort Police are actively investigating the shooting death and have not yet provided any suspect descriptions or motives. Investigators encourage anyone with information on the incidents to contact Lieutenant Mendicino or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Incidents | Three separate shootings in one week |
| Number of Arrests | Two men arrested in initial incidents |
| Fatal Incident | One person found with multiple gunshot wounds, died at the hospital |
| Management Response | Employee parking rules changed for safety |
| Police Action | Investigating shooting death, seeking information |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Internal Investigation Launched After Deputy Draws Gun on Teens
Community Outrage in Hilton Head Island Over Sheriff Deputy’s Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Beaufort Police Investigate Fatal Shooting at Cross Creek Plaza
One Dead in Beaufort Shopping Center Shooting
Beaufort Shooting Claims One Life
Shooting Incident Leaves One Dead in Beaufort
High Surf Advisory Issued as Hurricane Erin Approaches Charleston
NWS Issues Rip Current Warning for Coastal South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Police Investigating Deadly Monday Night Shooting
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Police Search for Gunman in Deadly Shooting
- WSAV: Beaufort Shopping Plaza Shootings Raise Safety Concerns
- Island Packet: Beaufort Shopping Center Shooting Death
- WITN: Man Killed in Chocowinity Domestic-Related Shooting, Suspect Arrested
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Google Search: Beaufort shooting incidents
- Google Scholar: Safety in retail environments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety concerns
- Google News: Beaufort shooting
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.
