NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A Little River man is in police custody after a shooting in North Myrtle Beach this weekend.

The coroner identifies the shooting victim as Ryan Burt from Lexington, SC.

25-year-old Zachary Owens is charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting. Owens told police he pulled the trigger in self-defense.

Owens told police Burt approached and punched him over and over; Owens said he shot Burt after telling him to stop several times.

Police say Owens contacted them after the shooting with his story later that evening.

The shooting took place in a parking lot that is a popular spot for people to access the beach in North Myrtle.

On Saturday morning, the lot at North Ocean Boulevard and Sea Mountain Highway was filled with families getting ready to hit the surf. It was a busy day, packed with cars and people unloading their gear.

It was easy to miss the signs of the deadly shooting, in a place visitors don’t normally associate with violence.

“You don’t expect these things especially on the north side of the beach, with its reputation,” said Pete Horwath, who has been visiting North Myrtle Beach for years.

Horwath said he was on hand as emergency crews arrived. He said he saw police performing CPR before ambulances got there.

Horwath said it was a reminder that dangerous situations can happen anywhere, “now a-days you have to keep your eyes open and count your blessings when you don’t run into trouble.”

Especially since he was only in the area at the time because a flat tire delayed his trip.

“In a really bad part of town in Darlington, in an environment that we have been much less comfortable than North Myrtle Beach yet we were helped there, and then out here you have this terrible thing happening,” said Horwath.

Horwath said the shooting won’t stop him from visiting.

“I hope it doesn’t negatively this area cause it’s a beautiful place with lots of wonderful people,” said Horwath.

Most importantly, Horwath said his thoughts go out to the victim, “we feel terrible for the family of this young man.. and we really have our prayers for them.”

At last check, Owens was at the North Myrtle Beach Detention Center on a $15,000 bond.

Stay with News13 for updates.