Virginia woman arrested for driving on Myrtle Beach, SC, beach in stolen vehicle

A 34-year-old has been arrested for driving her vehicle on the beach early Tuesday morning, according to Myrtle Beach Police.

Lauren Hodge was charged with driving on the beach, reckless driving and driving without a license.

Police were called to the Polynesian Resort, 1001 S. Ocean Blvd., about 2 a.m. July 16, 2024, in regards to a man’s report that his stepmother had stolen his vehicle and that she is intoxicated, according to the report. The vehicle had a Virginia license plate, the report said.

Police later found the vehicle, which was allegedly driven by Hodge, 75 yards into the sand in the 200 block of 11th Avenue South, the report said.

According to police, Hodge had driven her car onto the beach “at such high speeds” that she made it to the water and people on the beach had to run away, according to a WMBF-TV story .

She was booked into Myrtle Beach Jail and was given a $1,325 bond.