News Summary
A series of violent incidents in Aiken County over the weekend have resulted in multiple arrests, sparking worries about public safety. A woman allegedly chased people with a knife, while other serious offenses involved a murderer and a suspect who stole a patrol car. Law enforcement’s coordinated response was critical in managing these volatile situations without serious injuries. Community vigilance is urged in light of these events, as authorities continue investigations into the alarming patterns of violence in the area.
Aiken County, SC – A series of violent incidents over the weekend has led to multiple arrests, raising concerns about public safety in the area. Local law enforcement agencies responded to alarming situations, including a woman allegedly chasing people with a knife and multiple serious criminal activities involving weapons and reckless endangerment.
On Saturday, a woman was taken into custody in Aiken County for allegedly pursuing individuals with a knife. The incident transpired around 5 p.m. on Five Notch Road, prompting the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to respond after a report was made to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. Fortunately, no major injuries were recorded during this incident.
Amid these events, authorities had also released the name of a suspect involved in a murder that occurred at a convenience store in Augusta. This was further compounded by a separate incident in which a 22-year-old man named Kevin Romero was apprehended after stealing a patrol car belonging to a Lexington County sheriff’s deputy. The police chase that ensued spanned multiple counties before concluding in North Augusta.
The situation with Romero commenced when a deputy arrived at a civil dispute on Augusta Road where Romero was found brandishing a bat. Following his surrender of the bat, Romero suggested that he had a knife in his pocket. The deputy successfully secured this weapon; however, Romero resisted arrest, which resulted in a struggle that shifted to the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Finally, Romero managed to enter the patrol car and fled, igniting a police pursuit that ended with him crashing into a North Augusta Public Safety patrol car on Interstate Highway 20. He has since been charged with grand larceny, failure to stop for blue lights, and reckless driving. Romero is now in custody at the Lexington County Detention Center.
In a related context, another serious incident unfolded involving Jantez Willie Durden, 32, who was arrested for a shooting at an Exxon gas station on Gordon Highway. Initially charged with aggravated assault, Durden’s charges have been elevated to murder and possession of a firearm or knife during a crime. The shooting occurred on February 18, claiming the life of 32-year-old Alvin Rivers, who subsequently died from his injuries on February 21.
Furthermore, in Aiken County, authorities arrested Cedric Arnez McGee, 43, after he allegedly attacked a woman he accused of stealing his underwear. McGee reportedly threatened the woman with a knife, physically assaulted her with the handle, and made further threats during the confrontation. After escaping the residence while McGee was asleep, the woman contacted 911. He has been charged with domestic violence and is being held in Aiken County detention with a bond set at $10,000.
The coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies throughout these incidents is noteworthy, especially during the police chase involving Romero, which transitioned through several counties. The collaboration helped ensure that the situations ended without injuries, emphasizing the diligence of local law enforcement under pressure.
As authorities continue their investigation into the series of violent incidents, the community remains on alert. Local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The recent occurrences highlight ongoing concerns regarding public safety in Aiken County and North Augusta.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Woman Arrested in Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Public Safety
- Augusta Chronicle: Lexington Man Crashes Stolen Police Car
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WJBF: Man Arrested for Assault with Knife
- Google Search: Violent Crime Statistics
- Aiken Standard: North Augusta Man Charged with Assault
- Google News: North Augusta Crime
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.
