News Summary

A white van approached a group of children waiting for a school bus in Graniteville, causing alarm among parents and residents. The man driving identified himself and claimed the bus had broken down. Following community concern, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office investigated, finding no danger. Parents remain apprehensive, prompting the school district to change transportation protocols for safety.

Graniteville – A recent incident involving a white van approaching a group of children waiting for their school bus has caused alarm in the Graniteville community. The event occurred on July 24th on the 300 block of Fioli Circle, leading to widespread concern among parents and local residents.

According to reports, the children were approached by a man identified as Terrance Leverette, who was driving the van along with a woman in the passenger seat. They informed the children that their school bus had broken down and offered them a ride. This declaration raised immediate fears among the children, prompting one to drop his backpack and lunchbox in a rush to escape. Fortunately, the school bus arrived shortly after, leading the van to leave the scene.

Parents and witnesses reported the incident to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), which prompted an investigation. In the aftermath, community members circulated security footage and expressed their concerns on social media, leading to widespread speculation surrounding the van and its occupants.

In response to the growing alarm, Leverette voluntarily contacted law enforcement after seeing the posts about the incident on social media. He clarified that he had rented the white van to transport his extended family to an out-of-town event and was in the area visiting relatives. Leverette explained that he believed he recognized some of the children, which led him to inquire whether their bus had encountered problems. After observing the frightened reaction of one child, he decided to depart to avoid causing further distress.

To address any potential concerns from parents, Leverette provided his brother-in-law’s contact information, suggesting that parents could reach out to him. Following a thorough investigation, including a visit to Leverette’s home, the ACSO found no cause for concern. As a result, no criminal charges were filed, and authorities determined there was no danger to the public.

Despite the ACSO’s findings, the incident has left many parents feeling apprehensive. Concerns were voiced within the community regarding the safety of children at bus stops, underscoring the need for vigilance. The Aiken County Public School District has since announced that they will no longer utilize unmarked vans for student transportation in instances of bus breakdowns, opting to reroute another bus instead to ensure the safety of students.

In concluding the investigation, the ACSO released a statement thanking the public for promptly reporting the incident and urged community members to remain aware of any suspicious activity. While this case has been officially closed, authorities noted that it could be referred to juvenile investigators if any similar issues arise in the future.

Community safety remains a priority, and residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive regarding any concerns involving the well-being of children in Graniteville and the surrounding areas. As the investigation has concluded without any charges filed or further issues identified, the community is left reflecting on the importance of safety and communication among families in such situations.

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HERE Resources

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Graniteville Community Alarmed by Suspicious Van Incident
Safety Assured After Suspicious Incident Involving Students
Concerns Emerge After White Van Encounter at Bus Stop
Students Approach Suspicious Van at Graniteville Bus Stop
Aiken County Schools Struggle with Air Conditioning Failures
Community Reassured After Suspicious Van Investigated
No Ongoing Threat After White Van Incident Near Aiken School Bus Stop

Additional Resources

• The Augusta Press
• WRDW
• WJBF
• MSN News
• Google Search: Graniteville, white van safety concerns
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Safety
• WFXG

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.