The City of Myrtle Beach continues to struggle with issues regarding violent crime.
Officers were called on Oct. 18 to the Virginian Motel on 1810 South Ocean Boulevard. They found a victim with severe injuries to his head and upper body.
Older Myrtle Beach hotels, like the Virginian, are known to rent to locals on a month to month basis. Monthly guests staying in such properties have a history of arrest records showing these guests either commit ongoing crimes, are victims to ongoing Myrtle Beach crimes, and/or both.
According to the affidavit, the victim told Myrtle Beach police that the suspect, identified as Joel Happle, kicked down the door to the motel room and accused him of taking Happle’s tools.
“The victim testified that while the assault was occurring, the defendant stated he was going to kill him and the victim was afraid for his life and believed the defendant was going to kill him,” the affidavit stated.
According to Myrtle Beach police records, Happle then began to beat the victim with a 15-inch piece of metal rebar and brass knuckles.
Happle is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. No bail has been set.