Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Aiken County, South Carolina

Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Aiken County, South Carolina

AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A peaceful Sunday morning in Aiken County was disrupted by a serious law enforcement incident as authorities responded to a scene that has now become the center of an officer-involved shooting investigation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to lead the inquiry, in coordination with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.

According to officials, the incident unfolded along the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road, where sheriff’s deputies were dispatched early Sunday morning in response to a call for service. Specific details about the nature of the call and what transpired once deputies arrived have not yet been made public.

The situation escalated to an officer discharging their weapon, prompting the immediate activation of standard protocol: a SLED-led independent investigation into the use of force. This process is standard in South Carolina for any incident involving a law enforcement officer’s weapon being fired.

As of now, it is unclear whether anyone was injured or killed in the shooting, and authorities have not released information about who was involved — including the identity of the deputy or the individual the shots were directed at.

Road Closure and Public Advisory

Due to the ongoing investigation, the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road has been temporarily closed to traffic. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has urged motorists to avoid the area and instead use John Scott Road or Fire Tower Road as detour routes until further notice.

Deputies have secured the area while SLED agents conduct a thorough forensic analysis, speak with witnesses, and gather any relevant bodycam or dashcam footage. Yellow crime scene tape and law enforcement vehicles currently block the affected stretch of road, with officers posted at the perimeter.

Community Waits for Answers

This incident has sparked concern and speculation among Aiken County residents, many of whom are anxiously awaiting more details. Community members have expressed hope that the investigation will be transparent and thorough, especially given the heightened national attention around police-involved shootings.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it will defer to SLED for official updates and has pledged full cooperation with the independent review. Once the investigation is complete, SLED will present its findings to the Second Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will determine if any charges or disciplinary actions are warranted.

Ongoing Investigation

At this stage, the investigation remains active and fluid. Updates are expected in the coming days as officials review evidence and gather facts surrounding what led to the use of force on Old Barnwell Road.

SLED encourages any individuals with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the inquiry.