Aiken County Coroner: Suspect Was Aiming Gun At Officer When Killed
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Aiken County Coroner: Suspect Was Aiming Gun At...
The Aiken County Coroner says autopsy results from a suspect shot to death by a police officer, Wednesday, show that suspect was aiming a gun when he was killed. Wednesday, Officer An
The Aiken County Coroner says autopsy results from a suspect shot to death by a police officer, Wednesday, show that suspect was aiming a gun when he was killed. Wednesday, Officer Andrew Keller, with the Jackson Police Department was called out to a bank robbery. Two suspects were taken into custody, one was killed. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe has the latest in the investigation.
Aiken County, SC—Karen Huckeba says she heard it happen.
Karen Huckeba, Aiken County: “I heard the gunshots, I heard the gunshots.“
Soon after, she saw dozens of deputies swarming around her house, and across the street.
Huckeba: “I was out here with my dog, then one of the deputies said that ‘we’re hunting one of the guys who’s out running around, so would you please get back in your house.“
Aiken County investigators say three men; 26-year-old Phillip Paul, 22-year-old Randolph Wilson, and 30-year-old Jelani Edwards robbed the First Citizens Bank in Jackson, shortly after noon on Wednesday.
Jackson Police were called out, and investigators say a chase ended when the three men crashed into a ditch across the street from Huckeba’s house, on Old Jackson Highway.
Investigators say Paul surrendered, Wilson ran, and Edwards pulled a gun. Jackson Police Officer Andrew Keller fired a shot and killed Edwards.
The coroner says his wounds were consistent with what police call “a bladed shooting position.“
Tim Carlton, Aiken County Coroner: “What that means is that the shooter took a position, turned this way, pointing or either presenting the weapon, at the officer, the officer engaged him. The bullet struck Mr. Edwards, just under the scapula, came across his chest, and then lodged on this side of this heart.“
Sgt. Dave Myers, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office: “The sheriff’s office is sympathetic to the family, any time you lose a loved one, we are sympathetic to the family. But on the other hand, the officer was doing what he was trained to do. Anytime a weapon is present, whether it’s pointed at him, he’s going to do what he’s trained to do, according to South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.“
Wilson was later found at a house off of Williams Way, and he and Paul face charges for this bank robbery…but now investigators they are looking at them in connection with others.
Sgt. Myers: “Strong possibility that these are connected to previous bank robberies in the area.“
Karen Huckeba says she’s just thankful it’s over, and hopes her street will not become an avenue of crime again, anytime soon.
The Jackson Police Chief tells us Officer Keller has been with him since 1990, and is a good, solid officer. The Chief says he believes his officer did everything by the book in this case.
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