News Summary
Aiken County deputies responded to a house break-in that led to an officer-involved shooting on June 29, 2025. The suspect, armed with a machete and handgun, was injured during the confrontation and taken into custody. SLED has initiated an investigation into the incident, which marks another case of rising officer-involved shootings in South Carolina. Local officials emphasize communication between law enforcement and the community to ensure safety and accountability during these events.
Aiken, South Carolina – Aiken County deputies were involved in a significant incident on Sunday, June 29, 2025, when they responded to a house break-in, leading to an officer-involved shooting. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Aaron Stevenson, was taken into custody following the encounter, which occurred after deputies received a 911 call reporting the break-in at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene and found Stevenson armed with both a machete and a handgun. During the confrontation, deputies fired their weapons, injuring Stevenson. Emergency medical crews quickly provided life-saving measures on-site before transporting him to a hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during this tense situation.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conduct an investigation into the shooting. SLED will not release additional information until their investigation reaches completion. The Aiken County incident marks the 27th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year and is the second such incident involving the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office in 2025. Comparatively, 2024 recorded a total of 45 officer-involved shootings across the state, with only one involving Aiken County deputies.
The sheriff’s department initiated an extensive manhunt for the suspect, setting up a perimeter around Dummy Line Road, located off Augusta Road in Burnettown, shortly after the incident was reported at approximately 5 p.m. By around 6:45 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody. Authorities utilized tracking dogs and drones during the search to enhance their efforts in locating the suspect.
In response to the number of officer-involved shootings this year, law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of thorough investigations into these incidents to ensure transparency and accountability. SLED’s role is crucial in delivering impartial findings that uphold the integrity of law enforcement practices.
The background context reveals a growing concern regarding incidents involving law enforcement across the nation, with key data showing variations year-to-year. The increase in officer-involved shootings raises questions about police tactics, use of force policies, and community safety. It is vital for citizens to receive clear communication and information from their local law enforcement agencies to maintain trust within the community.
Aiken County continues to navigate concerns related to safety, as neighbors remain watchful following these incidents. Local officials stress the importance of communication and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement, emphasizing the community’s role in preventing crime and ensuring public safety.
As authorities continue to investigate this recent shooting, the Aiken community is left reflecting on the important balance between ensuring safety and upholding legal rights. Further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken County Deputies Shooting Suspect
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WYFF4: Home Invasion Suspect Shot by Deputies
- Google Search: Aiken County Shooting
- ABC News 4: SLED Investigating Officer Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- WLTX: Man Armed with Machete Shot
- Google News: Officer-Involved Shooting
- 11Alive: Walmart Employee Shoots Three
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability
- Post and Courier: Aiken Men Arrested
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.
