Newly released public records provide additional detail about the initial law enforcement response in the Surf City rape case involving two U.S. Marines, offering a clearer picture of how the incident unfolded on the night of the alleged assault.
The records, released by the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, consist of a call-for-service (CFS) command log covering the evening of September 14, 2024, and the early morning hours of September 15. The incident occurred near Roland Avenue and Beach Access 18 in Surf City.
Dispatch records identify the location as 100 Roland Avenue, listed as Surf City Beach Access 18, a public beach access point that includes public restrooms and is located near the Surf City pier.
The access point is a well-known public area frequented by residents and tourists and sits within walking distance of nearby bars, restaurants, and other businesses.
According to the dispatch log, the woman involved was found inside a bathroom at the beach access, indicating the incident occurred in a public beach restroom, not a private residence.
The first call was received shortly after 7:03 p.m. and was initially classified as a disturbance with no weapon reported.
Early dispatcher notes describe two males involved in a confrontation, with callers stating the dispute appeared verbal and that no weapons were seen.
Booking photographs later released by the Pender County Jail show Petrosky with a visible injury to his face. Court records and police reports do not explain how the injury occurred.
Within minutes, additional calls changed the nature of the response.
A second caller reported an accusation of sexual assault, stating that a woman had been found naked inside the bathroom. Dispatch records identify the second caller as a waitress at a nearby business, Buddy’s.
As the situation escalated, multiple Surf City Police Department officers were dispatched. Officers began arriving on scene between 7:10 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., with additional units responding throughout the evening.
Pender County EMS was requested later and arrived on scene shortly after 8:07 p.m. Records show a patient was ultimately transported to an emergency department in Wilmington.
Law enforcement activity continued for several hours, with officers documenting investigative actions, transports, and movements involving Camp Geiger. The incident was not fully cleared until 12:25 a.m. on September 15, 2024.
The call-for-service log does not include investigative narratives, witness interviews, forensic findings, or charging decisions. Surf City Police Department has declined to release those materials, citing the case’s active and ongoing investigation. The only record released by the department to date is a heavily redacted incident report. The remaining materials are maintained within the department’s investigative file and subsequent court proceedings.
As previously reported, Marines Rylie Tate Petrosky and Ted Arthur Davis, both assigned to Camp Geiger, are charged with first-degree forcible rape and felony conspiracy. Davis also faces a misdemeanor charge for providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
Both men were released on bond in October 2025 after spending more than a year in custody. Their cases remain pending in Pender County Superior Court, with proceedings continued multiple times.
The Marine Corps has not publicly commented on the case or on the Marines’ current duty status.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Salty Soldier will continue to follow the case as additional records are released and the matter moves closer to trial.
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