News Summary
Aiken County deputies shot a burglary suspect, Aaron Stevenson, who was armed with a machete and a handgun. The incident occurred during a pursuit on Old Barnwell Road, leading to Stevenson facing multiple charges. The shooting is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding officer-involved shootings and policing practices in the state.
Aiken County Deputies Involved in Shooting of Burglary Suspect
Aiken County deputies shot a man armed with a machete and a handgun during a pursuit related to a burglary in progress. The incident took place around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Aaron Stevenson, fled on foot when deputies arrived at the scene. During the chase, Stevenson wielded both the machete and the firearm, presenting a significant threat to the officers. In response, deputies discharged their weapons, striking Stevenson.
Emergency medical crews were quick to respond, initiating life-saving measures before transporting Stevenson to a local hospital. As of now, his current condition has not been publicly released.
Charges and Previous Arrests
Aaron Stevenson now faces several charges, including first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and two counts of second-degree assault and battery. Authorities confirmed that no deputies were injured during the confrontation.
This incident marks the 27th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2025 and the second officer-involved shooting for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office this year.
Stevenson has a history of arrests, with prior charges including contempt of family court, gross intoxication, assault and battery, forgery, and tampering with utilities.
Investigation Initiated
In light of the shooting incident, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has requested an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This standard procedure follows any officer-involved shooting to ensure an impartial review is conducted.
Context on Officer-Involved Shootings
Officer-involved shootings have become a pressing issue in South Carolina and the nation, entering public discourse due to their implications for law enforcement practices and community safety. Each incident prompts scrutiny regarding police engagement protocols, particularly in cases involving armed individuals and potential threats to officers and the public.
The increase in officer-involved shootings raises questions about policing methods and community relations. In recent years, various communities have called for more comprehensive training for officers to handle similar high-stress situations safely and effectively while minimizing harm to all involved parties.
Conclusion
The situation remains under investigation, and further updates on Stevenson’s condition and any new developments regarding the investigation by SLED are anticipated. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency throughout this process as they navigate the complexities of the incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Officer-Involved Shooting in Aiken County
Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Shooting During Pursuit in Aiken
Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Aiken County
Officer-Involved Shooting in Aiken, SC
Aiken County Deputies Involved in Shooting Incident
Aiken County Incident Results in Officer-Involved Shooting
Aiken County Deputies Shoot Burglary Suspect During Chase
Suspect Shot by Aiken County Deputies During Burglary Chase
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigated in Aiken, SC
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 10-Year-Old Girl in Beech Island
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Deputies Identify Man Shot by Cop in Aiken County
- WLTX: Aiken County Deputy Shooting – Burglary Suspect
- WJBF: Large Police Presence in Aiken County
- Post and Courier: Aiken Crosland Park Home Shooting
- The State: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: Officer-involved Shooting
- Google Search: Officer-involved shootings
- Google Scholar: Officer-involved shootings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police violence
- Google News: South Carolina 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.
