A burglary suspect was shot by deputies during a foot chase Saturday morning in Aiken County, prompting an investigation by the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.
According to Maj. Nick Gallam with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 10:30 a.m. Saturday when dispatchers received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence located at 821 Old Barnwell Road in Aiken.
Deputies arriving at the scene encountered a white male suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Aaron Stevenson of Aiken, who fled on foot. During the chase, Stevenson allegedly brandished both a machete and a firearm.
Deputies responded by firing their weapons, striking Stevenson. Officers on scene immediately began life-saving measures, assisted by Aiken County EMS, who transported Stevenson to a local hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Stevenson is facing several charges, including burglary in the first degree, weapon possession and two counts of second-degree assault and battery. He has a history of arrests in Aiken County, including multiple arrests for Contempt of Family Court as well as charges for gross intoxication, assault and battery, forgery and tampering with utilities.
In line with standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has requested that SLED take over the investigation. All further inquiries are being directed to SLED.
