Aiken Man Arrested for Holding Two Women at Gunpoint
Aiken, SC – A man from North Augusta has been arrested following a serious incident at the Econo Lodge in Aiken. This took place early Thursday morning, leaving two women in fear for their lives. The details, gathered from incident reports and arrest warrants, paint a troubling picture of the events that unfolded.
Incident Report
According to the reports, the early morning disturbance was alarming enough that it prompted quick action from the Aiken Public Safety. Officers responded to a call about a potential hostage situation at around 9:46 a.m.
Inside the motel room, officers found two women who alleged that they had been held at gunpoint by Joseph Satterwhite, the suspect. One of the women involved was identified as Satterwhite’s ex-girlfriend. They described a frightening encounter where Satterwhite reportedly grabbed one of them by the shirt and forced her back into the room. Once inside, the situation escalated when Satterwhite allegedly pulled out a firearm, threatening to kill the women if they tried to leave.
Support Call and Response
The victims also recounted how Satterwhite made them lie to a motel clerk who had reached out for their well-being. When the clerk called the room, Satterwhite reportedly instructed the women to tell the clerk that they did not need any assistance.
Despite the intimidation, the clerk’s concern for the women’s safety led to the involvement of law enforcement. Aiken Public Safety officers swiftly arrived at the scene, drawing their weapons as they called out to Satterwhite. Remarkably, he complied with their commands when confronted.
Discovery of a Firearm
Upon apprehending Satterwhite, officers discovered he had a 9 mm Smith & Wesson M&P handgun at his side. Alarmingly, the gun was found to be missing a serial number, raising further concerns regarding its legality. During questioning, Satterwhite denied the accusations of threatening the women or pointing the gun at them.
Charges Filed Against Satterwhite
In light of the serious nature of the allegations, Satterwhite now faces multiple charges including:
- Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number
- First-degree burglary
- Kidnapping
The swift police response and the subsequent legal actions taken against Satterwhite highlight the seriousness of domestic violence issues and the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals in potentially dangerous situations.
Community Concern
This incident has left many in the community shaken, as it serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise in seemingly ordinary places. Local residents are advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, ensuring that such incidents do not become a recurring issue in Aiken.
The case is a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and the need for community support for those affected. Aiken Public Safety continues to encourage anyone who feels threatened or unsafe to reach out for help.
