Former Aiken officer Anthony Briscoe Mason was charged on Wednesday with assault & battery for a January incident after a wreck.
The charge against the 28-year-old suspect comes after an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division. He was previously terminated following an investigation into the use of excessive force after he responded to a wreck.
On Jan. 3, the Aiken Department of Public Safety received a complaint of Mason using excessive force, which led to an investigation and his termination. He had worked for the agency for two years.
The Aiken Department of Public Safety policy led the agency to turn the case over to SLED for investigation of possible criminal charges. He was arrested Wednesday and released on bond.
An incident report from other officers describes what reportedly happened. Here is the unedited version:
“On 01/03/23 at 1157 hours, PSO Mason responded to Two Notch Rd and E Pine Log Rd in reference to a collision. Upon arrival, PSO Mason made contact with both drivers. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson (SCTAG# UZE563) was Ms. Adriona Dunbar (Involved Other), and her passenger was Mr. Akia Jordan (Offender). PSO Mason spoke with the other driver and obtained his license, registration, and insurance.
While asking Mr. Jordan for his vehicle information and insurance, he stated “times were hard” and that he didn’t have insurance on the vehicle. PSO Mason then asked for his license and registration. As Mr. Jordan opened the driver’s door to obtain the registration, PSO Mason observed a heavy odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
PSO Mason received testimonies from both parties. He also ran each party and discovered Ms. Dunbar was suspended. PSO Scott arrived on scene to back PSO Mason. PSO Scott observed Mr. Jordan becoming highly agitated and nervous. He kept moving around, approaching PSO Mason’s window asking what was taking so long. PSO Scott advised PSO Mason the probability of Mr. Jordan running was high and that PSO Mason should complete accident report documents first.
PSO Mason completed the accident report and provided the other driver with a copy first. He then went to Mr. Jordan and Ms. Dunbar and explained it. PSO Mason also advised Mr. Jordan he was issuing a citation for operating a motor vehicle uninsured, and a driving under suspension citation for Ms. Dunbar. PSO Mason then stated he observed the odor of marijuana and was going to conduct a probable cause of the vehicle. Mr. Jordan responded with, “you are not searching the vehicle.” He then began walking away from officers. PSO Mason instructed Mr. Jordan to step back over in the grass where they initiated the conversation, and he insisted on walking away. PSO Mason grabbed Mr. Jordan’s arm and advised him to placed his hands behind his back. While doing so, Mr. Jordan took flight toward McDonald`s.
PSO Scott pursued him and PSO Mason followed behind them. After crossing four lanes of traffic, Mr. Jordan ran another 75 feet and surrendered. PSO Scott grabbed Mr. Jordan and assisted him to the ground as PSO Mason was approaching them. PSO Scott instructed Mr. Jordan to place his hands behind his back and he continued to resist. Due to this, PSO Mason struck Mr. Jordan on the top of the head. Mr. Jordan continued to resist by locking his left arm out. Officers detained Mr. Jordan and escorted him back over to the incident location.
SGT Barnwell and other officers arrived on scene and detained Ms. Dunbar. PSO Mason placed Mr. Jordan in custody for Failure to Comply (20230030018206). After searching him incident to arrest, PSO Mason placed him in his patrol vehicle. PSO Mason then conducted the probable cause search of the Hyundai.
PSO Mason took Ms. Dunbar out of handcuffs and issued her a citation for Driving Under Suspension – 1st Offense (20230030018205).
He also provided her with a copy of the accident report and explained it to her. While in the patrol vehicle, Mr. Jordan advised SGT Barnwell he needed EMS dispatched due to dizziness. SGT Barnwell dispatched them to the scene.
Due to the extent of damage caused by the collision, PSO Mason requested the next in rotation wrecker to tow the Hyundai. CJ`s Towing responded and took the vehicle. EMS then arrived on scene and evaluated Mr. Jordan. They advised everything looked optimal, and did not observe any areas of concern.
PSO Mason transported Mr. Jordan to ADPS Headquarters to receive his criminal history. Due to being involved in a collision, PSO Mason transported Mr. Jordan to Aiken Regional to receive a jail clearance. While at Aiken Regional, PSO Mason transferred custody of Mr. Jordan to PSO Bond. Mr. Jordan was cleared and transported to ACDC. Nothing further at this time.”
