News Summary
In Augusta, a couple was arrested for aggravated assault after a failed robbery attempt that resulted in a shooting. Da’Mon Cole and Destiny Reeves allegedly fired at a 61-year-old man, leaving him critically injured. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, was quickly contained by local authorities, who praised the effectiveness of downtown safety measures.
Couple Arrested for Aggravated Assault After Shocking Shooting in Augusta
Augusta is buzzing with talk after a few dramatic hours in the early morning, when a couple found themselves in serious trouble following a failed robbery attempt. Da’Mon Cole, 28, and Destiny Reeves, 27, are now facing hefty charges of aggravated assault after allegedly firing at a 61-year-old man during their ill-fated scheme.
What Happened?
It was around 2:12 a.m. on a Saturday night, a time when the downtown bars and nightclubs were wrapping up for the night and people were making their way home. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, things took a turn for the worse on the 900 block of Broad Street. The victim, a man hailing from Edgefield, South Carolina, found himself in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the head, a truly terrible situation.
The Setup
Authorities pieced together what unfolded that night. As it goes, Reeves approached the victim first, engaging him in what appeared to be a casual conversation. However, unbeknownst to the unassuming victim, Cole was lurking behind a car, setting the stage for their robbery plan. As Reeves coaxed the victim towards the vehicle, Cole sprang into action, leaping out and shocking everyone involved by firing a pistol and hitting the victim in the head.
Quick Action by Police
Thankfully, the swift response of the local deputies on foot patrol made a significant difference in this situation. They were able to promptly apprehend both Cole and Reeves before the chaos could escalate further. This quick action was commendable and showcased the effectiveness of the safety measures in place during busy nights downtown.
A Safer Augusta
Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard has pointed out the positive impact of the downtown safety plan put in place by Sheriff Eugene Brantley. This strategy has aimed to lessen criminal activity and make downtown Augusta a safer space for everyone. This incident unfortunately serves as a reminder that there are still risks present, but the response team was able to contain the situation quickly, and for that, the community can feel a bit more reassured.
What’s Next for the Suspects?
As for Cole and Reeves, they are facing serious legal repercussions. Both have been charged with aggravated assault and criminal attempted armed robbery. Cole, in particular, has additional charges related to weapon possession, as he is also identified as a convicted felon. His history includes an armed robbery conviction, which saw him serve 10 years of a 20-year sentence before being released just earlier this year, in May 2023. This sheds light on his troubling background and raises questions about the regulations surrounding firearms and convicted felons.
Community Impact
The incident has certainly left its mark on the Augusta community, highlighting the unsettling realities of crime even in seemingly safe environments. While the safety plan implemented by local authorities has shown promise in reducing crime rates, this episode serves as a stark reminder that vigilance is essential, especially during the bustling hours of night. The community will certainly be watching as updates surface from this situation and as the legal proceedings move forward.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 2 People Wanted for Questioning in Armed Robbery
- WFXG: 2 Wanted for Questioning in Armed Robbery
- WTVQ: Augusta Drive Armed Robbery Investigation Continues
- WJBF: Two Wanted for Questioning in Armed Robbery
- The Augusta Press: Couple Set Up Victim for Robbery
- Wikipedia: Aggravated Assault
- Google Search: Armed Robbery Augusta
- Google Scholar: Aggravated Assault
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Armed Robbery
- Google News: Augusta Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
