Aiken authorities have charged two individuals as a result of the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident that occurred outside a basketball game at South Aiken High School last Friday.
They are not the shooter. They are teens with guns at the time of the shooting, police said.
Investigators have arrested 18-year old Dedrick Dashaun Nelson of Beech Island (above right), for Carrying of a Pistol on School Property and Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol and 18-year-old Rakish Breon Jenkins of Aiken (above left) for Carrying of a Pistol on School Property and two counts of Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol.
ADPS Chief Charles Barranco stated, “These arrests are a result of the team work and cooperative efforts between the Aiken Department of Public Safety, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) R.A.G.E. Task Force, the Second Judicial Circuit Solicitors Office, SLED , the Aiken County Public School System, and most importantly, the residents of our Aiken Community.”
Chief Barranco stressed that this investigation is still very active and is ongoing. We are asking anyone with information about this crime to come forward.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), has announced a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the shooting at South Aiken High School, S.C. (See attached ATF News Release).
PREVIOUS DETAILS: Last Friday, South Aiken High School’s basketball team hosted Aiken High School. Following the game, a fight occurred outside of the school building in front of the school. During the fight, an unidentified individual fired several shots. Three individuals were struck by the gunfire.
One victim, a 45-year-old woman, was in front of the school during the fight and suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh. A short time later, Aiken Public Safety was notified of a second gunshot victim who had left the incident and relocated to a nearby fast food restaurant on Whiskey Road. The second victim, a 13-year-old girl was struck in the lower leg. Aiken Public Safety was contacted by Aiken Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room and notified a third victim, a 19-year-old male, had arrived at Aiken Regional Medical Centers for gunshot injuries to the hand and leg.
None of the victims injuries presented appear to be life threatening.
In addition to the South Aiken faculty, coaches, and staff assigned to the game, the event was staffed with six off-duty Aiken Public Safety Officers working security.
The increase in law enforcement presence was due to the expected large crowd. Nearly 1,000 students, spectators, and guests attended the game.
Immediately following the shooting, several officers provided first-aid to injured persons on-the-scene while others, and additional officers who arrived minutes later, searched for the assailant.
Officers and investigators followed numerous leads and suspect descriptions throughout the night as they attempted to locate the suspects involved.
The Aiken Department of Public Safety has been working closely with representatives from the Aiken County School District and officials from both South Aiken and Aiken high schools to help identify and locate possible witnesses. Aiken Public Safety’s investigation has also been assisted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information, no matter how big or how small, should contact Lt. Billy Cameron at Aiken Public Safety (803) 642-7740.
Also, tipsters can contact Crimestoppers of the Midlands at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
Callers may remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
