Aiken Residents Shocked by Armed Robbery at Dollar General

News Summary

Residents of Aiken are in disbelief after an armed robbery at the Dollar General store on Edgefield Highway on April 20, 2025. Two suspects from Florence, aged 17 and 18, have been apprehended following a shocking carjacking that unfolded in front of a victim. Local law enforcement undertook a high-speed chase leading to their capture. The incident has raised concerns in the community about safety and crime prevention.

Aiken Residents Shocked by Armed Robbery at Dollar General

In a surprising turn of events on the evening of April 20, 2025, two young men from Florence found themselves in serious trouble after an armed robbery at the Dollar General store on Edgefield Highway. The two suspects, Robert Frankie McCall, 18, and Eric Jahaud Woodham, 17, are now in custody and facing multiple charges, sending shockwaves through the Aiken community.

The Incident Unfolds

The robbery occurred shortly before 7 p.m. when a victim exiting the store was suddenly approached by a man who held him at gunpoint. This terrifying encounter led the victim to swiftly hand over his car keys, feeling that complying was the safest option to avoid any harm. Sadly, this wasn’t just a random act of theft; it was a calculated robbery.

Witnesses mentioned that prior to the robbery, a man matching the description of one of the suspects entered the Dollar General and requested a cash-back transaction of $400. However, after realizing he could only obtain $40, he quickly left the store, likely to prepare for the crime that would unfold moments later.

Chase and Capture

Having successfully stolen the victim’s vehicle—a Chevy Equinox—the suspects were not in the clear for long. Law enforcement had already been alerted and began a pursuit shortly after deputies spotted the stolen car. However, instead of pulling over, the suspects recklessly sped away, leading police on a high-stakes chase.

The dramatic pursuit came to an end on Mount Calvary Road, where both suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a massive search effort. A drone and a bloodhound tracking team were brought in to assist officers in locating the two. The urgency mixed with technology kicked the search into high gear.

Arrests Made

Efforts paid off when Eric Woodham was caught at the scene. His accomplice, Robert McCall, was apprehended the following morning, but not before the community felt the ripple effects of their actions.

The Legal Consequences

Both suspects are facing some serious charges: armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and grand larceny, given they stole an item valued between $2,000 and $10,000. Armed robbery is no small matter; it’s classified as a felony in South Carolina, which means if convicted, these men could face anywhere from 10 to 30 years in prison. Even worse, there’s no possibility of parole for the first seven years—a hard lesson for young individuals that will likely haunt them for years.

In addition, the grand larceny charge could land them up to five years in prison, while possession of a weapon during such a violent crime can add another five years to their sentences. Clearly, the two are in for some serious legal battles ahead.

Community Response

The Aiken community has come together in various ways, rallying to support safety measures and to keep discussions going about crime prevention. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgespring PD, and Johnston PD, shows the united front against crime in the area.

At present, both suspects remain in custody at the Aiken County Detention Center, with no court dates scheduled. As the details continue to unfold, residents remain vigilant, hoping their community can move past this unsettling reminder of how quickly safety can be compromised.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Upcoming Events in Aiken This May
Aiken County Police on the Hunt for Armed Robbery Suspects

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken County Deputies Look for Suspects After Chase
• WJBF: Manhunt Underway in Aiken County
• Post and Courier: Aiken County Crime Armed Robbery Arrest
• MSN: Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Aiken County
• MSN: Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Aiken County
• Wikipedia: Armed Robbery
• Google Search: Armed Robbery
• Google Scholar: Armed Robbery
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Armed Robbery
• Google News: Armed Robbery