Aiken Residents Left Shaken After Early Morning Burglary
In the peaceful city of Aiken, an alarming incident unfolded early Sunday morning, leaving residents shocked and shaken. Two men, identified as 31-year-old Cole Gaffney and 24-year-old Tyrese Odom, turned what should have been a quiet night into a terror-filled home invasion. The scary event took place on the 300 block of York Street NE, where a family was threatened while they slept.
The Horrifying Incident
It was just after midnight when police responded to a frantic 911 call from a 58-year-old woman staying overnight with an 80-year-old friend. According to the woman, she was abruptly woken from her sleep by disturbing shouts and demands for cash. Bursting with fear, she heard the suspects viciously threatening the elderly homeowner.
“The owner of the house was repeatedly pistol-whipped and was told they were gonna kill him,” she recalled, panic flooding her voice. “They kept asking where’s the money. I woke up to him yelling and begging for his life, and I ran and hid in the shower and called 911.” Can you imagine that kind of terror in your own home?
Police Arrival and Suspects Apprehended
When officers arrived on the scene, they acted quickly. They instructed the suspects to exit the residence from a side door. One suspect attempted to flee through the front yard but was quickly apprehended without further incident. The other suspect complied with the officers’ orders and came out of the house.
The quick response from the police ensured that the situation did not escalate further. Both Gaffney and Odom now face serious charges of burglary and two counts of kidnapping. In addition, Gaffney was slapped with charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, along with weapon possession for brandishing a gun during the attack.
The Victim’s Condition
The victim of the pistol-whipping suffered visible injuries, including knots on his head and face. However, he bravely opted not to go to the hospital after the attack. His friend, the woman who witnessed the assault, expressed her ongoing distress, stating, “I keep jumping from any little noise.” It’s hard to fathom how one could feel safe again after such a traumatic experience.
Community Reaction
As news of the incident spread, community members expressed their outrage and concern. Aiken, known for its friendly neighborhoods and safe streets, is now grappling with the aftermath of this violent invasion. Residents are left questioning their own safety and the potential for similar events in the future. Many in the area are coming together to discuss safety measures and how to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Both Gaffney and Odom are currently being held in the Aiken County Detention Center, awaiting their day in court. Meanwhile, the elderly man, while physically unharmed to some extent, deals with the emotional scars of such a terrifying event.
Final Thoughts
This tragic event serves as a crucial reminder of the need for community vigilance and safety. It’s important for everyone, especially in tight-knit communities like Aiken, to keep an eye out for one another and report any suspicious activity. After all, we all want our homes to be places of safety and comfort, away from fear and violence.
As we move forward, let’s support our neighbors, stay alert, and work together to ensure that incidents like these become a rarity in our beloved city.
