Man Identified in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting in Aiken County Today

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been called to investigate a deadly officer-involved shooting early this morning in Aiken County.

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to the 300 block of Hamelin Road at 2:47 a.m. today to a report a man threatening  neighbors with a firearm.

Investigators say the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Christopher H. Whittle, barricaded himself inside a home and allegedly fired multiple rounds at deputies.  He was shot by a deputy.  Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables says Whittle was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.  An autopsy will be performed Tuesday in Newberry.

A news release says, "SWAT and negotiators responded.  The investigation is being handled by SLED and the Aiken County Coroner's Office."

No other information has been released yet.