News Summary
A shooting involving Aiken County deputies occurred while responding to a burglary on Old Barnwell Road. The suspect, Aaron Stevenson, was shot after he brandished a machete and firearm, leading to multiple charges against him. The incident has raised community concerns about safety and law enforcement methods.
Aiken, South Carolina – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating a shooting incident involving Aiken County deputies that occurred on June 29, 2025, at around 10:30 a.m. The incident unfolded in response to reports of a burglary in progress at a residence located at 821 Old Barnwell Road.
Upon their arrival at the scene, Aiken County deputies encountered 29-year-old Aaron Stevenson, who fled on foot. The situation escalated during the pursuit when Stevenson brandished a machete and a firearm, which prompted deputies to discharge their weapons in self-defense. Stevenson was subsequently struck by gunfire.
Deputies on the scene administered lifesaving measures until Aiken County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived to transport him to a local hospital for treatment. As of now, Stevenson faces multiple charges stemming from the incident, including:
- First-degree burglary
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Two counts of second-degree assault and battery
A substantial police presence was noted in the vicinity during and following the incident, particularly on Old Barnwell Road and Fire Tower Road. The 800 block of Old Barnwell Road was closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene but was reopened around 5:30 p.m. the same day.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has requested SLED to lead the investigation to ensure an impartial review of the incident. This procedural follow-up is common in officer-involved shootings to maintain transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Residents in the area reported feeling unsettled due to the heavy police activity, and community members have started discussions about safety and crime in the neighborhood. The rapid response by law enforcement was essential in addressing the burglary in progress, but the ensuing confrontation raises questions about the measures taken by deputies in high-stakes situations.
Stevenson’s legal troubles could lead to significant penalties if he is convicted on the charges he now faces. First-degree burglary generally involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, which is a serious offense in South Carolina. The possession of a weapon during a violent crime carries mandatory minimum sentences, further complicating Stevenson’s legal situation.
This incident reflects broader concerns regarding crime rates and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in maintaining public safety, particularly in areas where drug-related offenses and violent crimes are prevalent. Community meetings are expected to be organized in the following weeks to address safety concerns and foster dialogue between residents and law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation by SLED continues, more details may emerge regarding the circumstances of the encounter between Stevenson and law enforcement. Observers are keenly awaiting updates as the situation unfolds, which could have implications for both local crime policy and community trust in police effectiveness.
The incident on June 29 not only impacts those directly involved but also resonates throughout the Aiken community, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with the rights of individuals.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Deputies Identify Man Shot by Cop in Aiken County
- WLTX: Aiken County Deputy Shooting of Burglary Suspect
- WFXG: SLED Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Aiken County
- ABC News 4: 10-Year-Old Found Shot Dead in Aiken County
- Post and Courier: SLED Shooting Involving Officers in Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Google Search: Aiken South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Aiken South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
- Google News: Aiken South Carolina
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.
