Recent Shootings in Aiken said to be Gang Related

Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt says his department has responded to four shooting calls in the last three days.

"These acts of violence are not random and are the result of alleged gangs retaliating against each other," said Hunt.

The recent shootings in Aiken included one outside the Enmark convenience store at 1218 Edgefield Highway around 11:20 pm Monday night.  Aiken County deputies found a male near the gas pumps with gunshot wounds to his arms and chest.

Deputies also found a black vehicle at the intersection of Edgefield Highway and Croft Mill Road that had just been involved in a wreck with another vehicle.  A witness told deputies shots were fired from the black vehicle before it sped away.  One person reportedly ran from the crash scene, leaving the driver who had injuries from the crash, as well as a gunshot wound to the leg.

The suspect who ran was found a short time later with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Authorities say the driver who was hit by the fleeing vehicle was injured.  Hunt said Aiken County EMS transported four males to an area hospital with critical injuries.

Aiken County authorities are investigating a shooting at 215 Diamond Street that one person injured, as well as a shooting at 584 Blackstone Camp Road with no injuries.

Aiken County authorities are investigating a report of shots fired at 247 Celeste Avenue with no reported injuries

"To stem this violence, we hope that anyone with information on these perpetrators, we want them to come forward to assist our community in putting a stop to these few individuals," said Hunt.  He added that so far, no suspects have been identified in any of the incidents February 17 and February 18.

Anyone with information on any of the on-going investigations is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (803) 648-6811.  Individuals who want to remain anonymous can send the information on the Aiken County Sheriff's Office website message center at www.aikencountysheriff.net.