Horry County police release more details of officer-involved shooting

An Horry County police officer who shot a suspect last week said the man was grappling with a woman over a handgun and he feared the woman’s life was at risk, according to details released Monday by police.

“I recall the fear in the victim’s eyes accompanied by her screams as she struggled with the white male trying to prevent him from shooting her,” Officer Richard Crouse said in the narrative. 

Brian Stortzum, 32, died after being shot by an Horry County police officer. Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler said the cause of Stortzum’s death is pending due to the ongoing investigation.

Crouse was closest to the scene Thursday night when dispatchers called about a man inside 630 East Flintlake Court threatening his family with a gun, according to Lt. Raul Denis with Horry County Police.