Aiken Residents Shocked by Local Gun Incident

Police activity at a residential area in Aiken following a gun incident

News Summary

A confrontation in Aiken escalated dramatically when Andrew Darius Coath was arrested during a domestic dispute. The incident involved a firearm and raised serious concerns about domestic violence and public safety. The community reels as Coath faces multiple serious charges, reminding residents of the pressing issues surrounding domestic violence.

Aiken Residents Shocked by Local Gun Incident

In a disturbing turn of events, the quiet streets of Aiken were stirred into a frenzy recently when a local man was arrested during a harrowing domestic dispute. On April 7, 2025, Andrew Darius Coath, a 38-year-old resident, found himself in the spotlight after police moved in with extreme caution, apprehending him at gunpoint outside a woman’s apartment located on Eider Circle in the Northside of Aiken.

A Disturbing Sequence of Events

The drama unfolded after Coath allegedly became intoxicated the previous day, April 6, when the woman returned to her home. The situation escalated quite quickly when she began to pack for an upcoming vacation. What was an innocent preparation soon ignited Coath’s insecurities, leading him to believe she was planning to leave him. Distraught and under the influence, Coath’s reaction was anything but rational.

In a shocking act, he reportedly retrieved a pistol along with some cash from a safe before pointing the firearm at the woman, effectively turning a domestic argument into a frightening confrontation. The woman, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, managed to capture video evidence of the disturbing scene where Coath brandished the weapon against her.

Police Intervention

When officers from the Aiken Department of Public Safety arrived at the scene, they discovered Coath seated in his truck nearby. Concerned for everyone’s safety, the police approached his vehicle with weapons drawn; however, the apprehension was executed without any further incidents. Coath’s dramatic downward spiral continued as he was taken into custody.

Echoes of Alcohol

Once in police custody, Coath waived his Miranda rights. While he acknowledged having a disagreement with the woman, he notably omitted any mention of the handgun, which added layers of complexity to the unfolding case. Authorities subsequently searched his truck, where they found five empty beer cans, hinting at the level of intoxication he was experiencing at the time.

Describing Coath’s demeanor, officers observed that he exhibited delayed responses, repetitive thoughts, droopy eyelids, and a noticeable odor of alcohol. Despite the evidence suggesting otherwise, Coath refused to engage in any field sobriety tests or to provide a breath sample, leaving the situation hanging further in doubt.

Charges Filed

As a result of these alarming events, Coath is currently facing a series of serious legal charges. These include:

Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature: This felony carries the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.
Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime: Another felony that could add five additional years to any potential sentence.
Driving under the influence: This misdemeanor could mean further legal troubles for Coath.
Driving with a suspended license: Alongside the DUI, this misdemeanor complicates matters even further.

At this time, Coath remains behind bars in the Aiken County Detention Center, and the community is left to grapple with the unsettling realities of domestic disputes escalating to such dangerous levels. Neighbors are reminded once again of the importance of safety and vigilance when it comes to potentially volatile situations.

A Community in Reflection

The incident leaves many watching with bated breath to see how the legal processes will unfold. The threat of domestic violence is a pressing concern for communities everywhere, and the importance of addressing such matters cannot be overstated. Ensuring that individuals feel safe in their own homes is paramount, and as Aiken residents reflect on this recent disturbance, many are hoping for answers and, ultimately, change.