News Summary
An officer-involved shooting occurred in Aiken, South Carolina, as deputies responded to a burglary. The suspect, Aaron Stevenson, exhibited threatening behavior with a machete and firearm, leading to deputies firing shots. Stevenson was taken to a hospital for treatment, facing multiple charges afterward. The incident raises concerns about law enforcement tactics and community relations amid ongoing scrutiny of police practices in the state.
Aiken, South Carolina – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on Sunday morning as Aiken County deputies responded to a burglary report. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies encountered 29-year-old Aaron Stevenson, who attempted to evade arrest by fleeing on foot towards Old Barnwell Road. During the pursuit, Stevenson exhibited threatening behavior by displaying both a machete and a firearm to the deputies. In response to the perceived threat, the deputies discharged their firearms, resulting in Stevenson being struck.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived shortly after and provided life-saving measures before transporting Stevenson to a local hospital for medical attention. His current medical status has not been disclosed. Following the incident, Stevenson will face multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree assault and battery, first-degree burglary, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Access to the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road was temporarily restricted during the incident but has since been reopened to the public as of around 5:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting, which adds to the series of officer-involved incidents that have occurred in South Carolina throughout the year 2025.
This incident not only highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces but also raises important questions about the tactics employed in response to dangerous situations. The investigation by SLED is ongoing, and any further developments will be observed closely by the community and law enforcement alike.
In recent years, officer-involved shootings in South Carolina have prompted discussions on police practices and community safety. The ongoing scrutiny emphasizes the critical need for transparent investigations and the importance of understanding the context surrounding such high-stakes incidents. As this investigation unfolds, it will contribute to the larger conversation regarding law enforcement protocols and community relations in the state.
While this recent event is a significant incident in Aiken, it is part of a broader pattern seen across the state as tensions between law enforcement and the community persist. With several shootings already recorded in 2025, the outcome of investigations like this one may influence future policing strategies and community outreach initiatives.
Residents in Aiken and surrounding areas are urged to stay informed about the developments that will follow from this incident as officials work to piece together the details. The importance of community relations and open communication between residents and law enforcement remains a focal point during these challenging times.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Deputies identify man shot by cop in Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WFXG: SLED investigating officer-involved shooting in Aiken County
- Google Search: Officer involved shooting Aiken County
- WJBF: Large police presence near Old Barnwell Rd
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WRDW: Scene of officer-involved shooting Aiken County
- Google News: Officer involved shootings South Carolina
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.
