News Summary
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended two suspects linked to a recent shooting on Middleton Drive. The increased police presence aims to enhance community safety, while officials encourage residents to share any information. Concurrently, an investigation into the actions of an officer involved in a separate incident has been initiated, raising further concerns about public safety and police conduct.
Windsor, S.C. – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting that occurred Sunday evening on Middleton Drive near State Park Road. The suspects, both black males approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, have been identified, and the sheriff’s office has confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought in relation to this incident.
The shooting incident has amplified concerns regarding public safety in the community, prompting the sheriff’s office to increase patrols in the area. They have urged residents with any information related to the shooting to come forward. The apprehension of the two suspects marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
In a related matter, the Office of the Inspector General has launched an investigation into a shooting incident involving Windsor police officer Brandon Thomas. This incident occurred on January 30 at approximately 8:20 p.m. near Keney Park. Officer Thomas was investigating a suspicious vehicle, a 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport, which had a license plate that did not belong to it.
While conducting the investigation, the officer discovered a bag of marijuana inside the vehicle. Shortly after, two individuals left a nearby convenience store and approached the SUV. When questioned by Officer Thomas, one of the individuals fled into Keney Park, prompting the officer to pursue. During the chase, Officer Thomas warned he would use a taser against the fleeing suspect.
However, in a critical error, Officer Thomas drew his firearm instead of his taser and discharged a single shot. Fortunately, the shot did not strike the suspect. Following the incident, Officer Thomas expressed regret for the mistake, acknowledging the error openly.
The inspector general’s report has classified Thomas’s actions as a mistake rather than an accident. The report indicated that the use of deadly force in this situation was unjustified. Officer Thomas has since been charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment as a result of this incident.
The individual who fled during the encounter was arrested on charges of interfering with police and possession of a controlled substance, yet he denied being shot during the incident. Following the officer’s discharge of his firearm, Thomas has been placed on limited duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
In response to the inspector general’s findings, Officer Thomas has received additional training on the proper use of a taser, specifically following an incident during training where he attempted to draw his firearm instead of his taser. The Windsor Police Department emphasized that Officer Thomas has no previous incidents involving questionable use of force and has publicly disagreed with the determination leading to his arrest and charges.
These two incidents have raised serious questions about police conduct and public safety in Windsor. As the investigations continue, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the Windsor Police Department are both focused on ensuring community trust and accountability.
Residents and community members are urged to stay informed and engaged as further updates regarding both the shooting incident and the officer’s case will be provided as they develop.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken County Deputies Searching 2 Suspects
- WJBF: Shooting in Windsor Leaves Two Injured
- NBC Connecticut: Windsor Police Officer Arrested
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Google Search: Windsor Shooting News
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.
