August 14, 2025

Aiken Man Arrested for Operating Chop Shop, Vehicles Recovered

News Summary

William Hurt, a 28-year-old man from Aiken, South Carolina, has been arrested for running a chop shop following a police investigation that uncovered several stolen high-end vehicles. The operation, revealed by tips from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, led to the recovery of multiple Dodge Chargers and other vehicle parts. Law enforcement continues to investigate and anticipate filing additional charges against Hurt as they trace the ownership of the recovered items.

Aiken Man Arrested for Operating Chop Shop, Multiple Stolen Vehicles Recovered

Aiken, South Carolina – A 28-year-old local man, William Hurt, has been arrested and charged with operating a chop shop after an investigation led authorities to recover multiple stolen high-end vehicles from a property on Dougherty Road. The operation was prompted by information provided by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office regarding a stolen vehicle linked to Hurt’s location.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation on August 11, 2025, following a tip-off about the stolen vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies discovered a fully functioning chop shop, where stolen vehicles were being dismantled for parts. This discovery led to the recovery of several stolen Dodge Chargers along with additional vehicle components, all of which were identified as stolen from various jurisdictions across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

The extensive investigation involved numerous deputies who spent much of the day at the property. As the investigation continues, additional charges against Hurt are expected due to the nature of the crimes uncovered. Authorities have stated that this case highlights the critical collaboration between different law enforcement agencies, including assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Details of the Operation

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office followed leads based on the stolen vehicle identified by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Once on site, deputies confirmed that the property was being used for illicit activities related to vehicle theft and dismantling. The team recovered several stolen Dodge Chargers, which are valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. The operation’s success is a result of inter-agency communication and support, showcasing a collective effort to combat vehicle theft in the area.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials have made it clear that their investigation into Hurt’s operations is ongoing. As they continue to sift through the evidence and gather more details, they anticipate filing more charges against Hurt. Investigators are also taking steps to trace the ownership of the recovered vehicles and parts to return them to their rightful owners.

Background on Chop Shops and Vehicle Theft

Chop shops like the one operated by Hurt are facilities where stolen vehicles are disassembled for their parts, which are then sold illegally. These operations pose significant problems for law enforcement as they contribute to the overall vehicle theft rate and related crimes. The existence of such operations undermines the integrity of the vehicle market and results in financial losses for both individuals and insurance companies.

The recent incident is a part of a larger pattern observed in the CSRA, where law enforcement agencies are increasingly confronting vehicle theft and chop shop operations. By collaborating and sharing intelligence, these agencies aim to diminish the prevalence of such criminal activities, protect community members, and uphold the law.

The successful dismantling of the chop shop run by Hurt serves as a reminder of the vigilance required by law enforcement to combat illegal activities. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behaviors and any information they might have regarding vehicle thefts to assist investigators in their ongoing efforts.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s cooperation and support as they work towards enhancing the safety and security of the community.

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Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE AIKEN

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