Aiken, S.C. – SLED Charges Man Following Officer-Involved Shooting
On Wednesday, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced that a 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with an officer-involved shooting that occurred near a school in Aiken County back in July. According to reports, the man, identified as Joshua Colton Johnson, faces several serious charges.
Details of the Incident
SLED officials stated that Johnson has been charged with resisting arrest with violence, two counts of unlawful taking of a firearm or weapon from a law enforcement officer, and two counts of assault and battery in the second degree. Arrest warrants indicate that Johnson forcibly took possession of a deputy’s electronic control device (ECD) and actively assaulted two officers, attempting to injure them while having the ability to do so. The confrontation reportedly escalated to the point where Johnson struck the officers with his fists, kicked them, and knocked them to the ground.
The incident began on July 25, after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person acting erratically at the intersection of Columbia Highway and Beaver Dam Road. SLED noted that when deputies approached Johnson, a physical altercation ensued. Initially, deputies deployed their stun guns, but these devices did not have the intended effect.
Hospitalization and Lockdown
During the altercation, deputies shot Johnson, prompting his transport to a local hospital. As of the latest updates, he remains hospitalized. Fortunately, no deputies sustained gunshot injuries, though one deputy was treated for non-gunshot-related injuries.
The situation also led to a lockdown at nearby J.D. Lever Elementary School. Officials reported that no children were in danger during this incident. The lockdown began shortly after 2 p.m. when deputies were first dispatched to the scene.
Response from the School
In the midst of the crisis, school staff acted quickly to ensure the safety of the students. Pam Fulmer, a pre-K classroom aide, described the experience, stating, “We got our kids in a little kitchen area, turned off the lights, and huddled with them.” Fulmer was at the school with her classroom of four-year-olds during the disturbance, which she acknowledged was a scary moment.
Once the incident unfolded, the Aiken County school district quickly activated its emergency protocols. They initially shifted their security posture to “secure” and then further elevated to a “lockdown” situation as the circumstances escalated outside. During a lockdown, staff are instructed to lock doors, turn off lights, and keep noise levels to a minimum while students move out of sight from potential dangers.
Parents were notified of the heightened security measures and were asked to follow instructions regarding afternoon dismissals. Once law enforcement cleared the area as safe, the lockdown was lifted, and students were released under controlled conditions.
Community Reaction
After the incident, many parents expressed their relief over how the school handled the emergency. Parent Amy Schneider shared her thoughts, stating, “They weren’t really aware of the situation, so luckily, they weren’t as scared….” Residents are grateful that the school’s procedures ensured the students were safe and calm.
This incident marks the 28th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina for the year 2024, according to SLED. Last year, there were three documented officer-involved shootings in Aiken County.
Moving Forward
The Aiken community continues to grapple with the implications of the shooting and its effects on school safety, especially at the start of the new school year. Parents and staff are reminded of the importance of maintaining vigilance, as anything can happen in unexpected situations. Fulmer concluded with a call for prayers for schools, emphasizing the significance of student safety as they learn and grow.
Law enforcement is still investigating the incident. No additional information is available at this time, and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Aiken Department of Public Safety, assisted in the response.
