Drive-by Shooting in Beaufort County

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a drive-by shooting incident that occurred on Beach City Rd this afternoon.

At approximately 1:15 PM this afternoon, Sheriff’s deputies responded to area of Beach City Rd and Hunter Rd in reference to a report of shots being fired from a vehicle in the area. Witnesses in the area reported hearing several shots being fired, and seeing a black male subject holding a handgun out the window of a silver vehicle driving past.

A deputy en route to the area observed a vehicle matching the description provided, possibly occupied by two black male subjects, at the 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Beach City Rd and Dillon Rd. Upon turning around to conduct a traffic stop, the suspect vehicle fled on Dillon Rd, crashing into a tree not far down the road.

The suspects in the vehicle fled on foot, and a perimeter was established surrounding the area. A short time later, deputies came in contact with a subject, later identified as 22-year old Tobias Orum, in the area of 90 Dillon Rd. Orum, who was wanted on an outstanding probation violation, was taken into custody. When deputies located Orum, it was immediately apparent that he was injured, and it was later determined that he had been in the fleeing suspect vehicle, and was injured in crash.

Orum was transported by EMS to Hilton Head Regional Medical Center, where he remains in an undisclosed condition. Further charges against Orum are pending as the investigation continues, and no motive has yet been determined for the shooting. No injuries have been reported as a result of the shots fired, and investigators are continuing to interview witnesses.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Tracking Team have searched the area, but have not located the possible second occupant of the vehicle. A handgun, believed to have been used during the drive-by incident, was recovered from the suspect vehicle (a silver Honda Accord), and additional evidence collected from the area.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to please contact the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at 843-524-2777.