Aiken Woman Charged with Kidnapping After Gunpoint Incident in Home

Aiken Woman Arrested After Disturbing Incident

In Aiken, a local woman is facing serious charges following a bizarre and alarming incident that unfolded on October 12, 2024. India Lewis, just 27 years old, has been accused of holding a man at gunpoint and forcing him to lie down on a mattress that she claimed was drenched in flammable liquid.

What Happened?

The unsettling event began when the man was taking a shower at a residence on Bevington Drive. According to reports, his former partner, India Lewis, entered the home and bathroom unexpectedly. With a firearm, she allegedly demanded he choose where he wanted to be shot, which is absolutely chilling to hear.

After this alarming confrontation, Lewis reportedly ordered him to exit the house and lie down on a mattress covered with what she said was lighter fluid. Thankfully, an opportunity presented itself when Lewis became distracted, and the man seized the moment to escape.

A Quick Response from Authorities

When officers from the Aiken Department of Public Safety arrived on the scene, they found Lewis in a neighboring residence, wearing only a towel. They also discovered a mattress in the backyard and noticed wet footprints leading from the bathroom to the outside. It was a chaotic scene that painted a clear picture of the dramatic events that had just transpired.

In a twist, Lewis was found in possession of the man’s personal items, including his phone, keys, and matches. However, in a concerning note, officers were unable to locate the gun she allegedly used during the incident.

Legal Consequences Await

Following her arrest, Lewis has been charged with kidnapping and domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, both of which are felonies with severe penalties. If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison for kidnapping and up to 20 years for the domestic violence charge.

Additionally, she is charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at another person, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence and/or fines. The charge of possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime is particularly serious, as it could add an extra five years to her sentence if she’s found guilty, unless the punishment is life in prison or death.

No Bond Granted

During her arraignment, an Aiken County magistrate denied her bond. As of now, India Lewis remains in the Aiken County detention center awaiting further legal proceedings, although no court dates have been scheduled yet. The community is left to grapple with the unnerving nature of this incident and the serious implications it holds for both the individuals involved and the wider Aiken area.

Community Impact

This shocking event highlights the pressing issues related to domestic violence and firearms, reminding us of the importance of safety and awareness in our communities. As we await more information and updates about the case, it’s crucial for anyone feeling unsafe or threatened to reach out for help and support.

As always, keeping an open line of communication within our neighborhoods can foster understanding and reduce the likelihood of such incidents recurring in the future.