From Staff Reports
22-year-old dies during chase, authorities say
An Aiken man died in a single-vehicle crash Saturday morning as he was being chased by Aiken Department of Public Safety, police say.
Brendan Ryan Wilson, 22, of the 1200 block of Gray Mare Hollow Road, died at the scene, according to a news release from Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.
At 3:35 a.m., the 1995 Jeep Cherokee driven by Mr. Wilson hit with a tree on Silver Bluff Road near Jenifer Drive, Mr. Carlton stated.
Officers had tried to stop Mr. Wilson on Whiskey Road on suspicion of driving under the influence, but he didn't stop for a patrol car's blue lights, said Aiken Department of Public Safety Lt. David Turno.
The chase lasted about two miles before ending in the crash. Lt. Turno said the chase met Aiken Department of Public Safety's protocol.
"If someone's suspected of DUI or a felony like bank robbery, we will chase if traffic conditions and time of day are permissible," he said.
Speed was considered a factor in the crash, and toxicology test results are pending.
Narcotics were found in Mr. Wilson's vehicle, Lt. Turno said.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Indian artifacts stolen from history center
Several American Indian artifacts have been reported stolen in a break-in at the Beech Island History and Visitors Center.
Aiken County sheriff's deputies responded to the center in the 100 block of Old Jackson Highway at about 1 p.m. Friday, according to an Aiken County Sheriff's Office dispatcher.
Jackie Bartley, the president of the Beech Island Historical Society, said she believes that some time Thursday night, burglars broke through the burglar bars of the historical society's building and stole 16 American Indian artifacts, including stones, pottery and arrowheads. Also reported stolen was a box containing several metal artifacts dating to the 1700s.
Ms. Bartley said she had not yet determined the value of the items.
"It's not the value of them, it's the history," she said. "We're hoping someone will help us find out what happened to the artifacts."
Anyone with information about the case can call the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (800) 9229709.
Woman dies in crash; man charged with DUI
A 47-year-old Trenton, S.C., woman died Saturday after being struck by a vehicle in Edgefield County.
Ora Mae Coleman died about 2 a.m. at the scene, the Edgefield County coroner said.
The crash happened about 1:50 a.m. on McReight Road, when Ms. Coleman was struck by a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Daniel Fraley, 23, said South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Scot Edgeworth. Mr. Fraley has been charged with driving under the influence.
