AIKEN, S.C. — Supporters of Aiken County sheriff’s deputy Preston Metts have opened an online fundraiser to help with his medical bills as he recovers from being shot several times during a traffic stop near Aiken last week.
Metts has already been through multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized. Donations are aimed at medical costs and unexpected bills, and at easing things for his girlfriend and his mother, who may miss work to stay with him.
Gunfire broke out late Wednesday, Oct. 21, after Metts pulled over an SUV on Shiloh Heights Road close to Pipeline Road. SLED, which took the case at the sheriff’s request, says a passenger jumped out and ran, then turned an AR style weapon on the deputy as Metts chased him on foot. Metts fired back.
The man accused of firing, Dorch, 39, was caught Friday morning, Oct. 23, in Jacksonville, Fla., with a gunshot wound to his foot. He faces an attempted murder count plus two weapons charges.
Teondra Coleman, 32, who was behind the wheel and drove off, has been booked on two counts, misprision of a felony and not stopping for blue lights. Investigators charged a third person, Leviel Priester, 41, as an accessory after the fact.
Prosecution will be handled by the solicitor’s office for the 2nd Circuit. By SLED’s count, it is the fourth shooting involving Aiken County deputies in 2026.
Section: More Aiken SC crime news
Filed under: Aiken SC Crime News
