The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has made a fifth arrest in connection with the shooting that occurred shortly after 8:20 p.m. on July 4, 2026, at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island.
On the afternoon of July 8, deputies arrested Jacob Malik Johnson, 22, of Beaufort, on an arrest warrant charging him with Breach of Peace, Aggravated in Nature.
Johnson’s arrest follows the arrests of four other individuals in connection with the incident:
- Jayden Hawes, 18, arrested on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and aggravated breach of peace.
- Marcello Royal, 17, arrested on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated breach of peace.
- Quazeir Davis, 17, arrested on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated breach of peace.
- Christopher Capers II, 17, arrested on the charge of accessory after the fact.
Shortly after 8:20 p.m. on July 4, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received multiple reports of gunshots in the area of Coligny Beach. Deputies who were already working in the area responded immediately as additional information was received.
Eight people suffered what appeared to be non-fatal gunshot wounds. The victims received medical treatment at area hospitals.
The investigation determined the shooting occurred after a fight broke out between two groups on the public beach. During the altercation, gunfire was exchanged before those involved fled the scene.
Responding deputies quickly gathered information from witnesses and the scene, allowing other deputies to identify and detain individuals believed to be involved. Investigators have also recovered multiple firearms believed to be connected to the incident.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the investigator Sgt. Aaron at 843-255-3436. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County using the P3 Tips app, by visiting TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT.
