Aiken robbery suspect kills himself amid search

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the death of an Aiken holdup suspect who took his own life after police cornered him in a field Saturday afternoon.

The man's name is not being released until his family is notified, said Lt. David Turno, of the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Two other men -- both from Columbia -- were quickly taken into custody after the robbery at Burger King on York Street. A fourth suspect remains at large, and police are asking the public's help in finding him.

According to a statement from Lt. Turno, the holdup began about 12:45 p.m., when four armed men dressed in black came into the restaurant and ordered customers and employees into the cooler. They then made the manager open the safe and cash registers, taking the money.

Police arrived at the scene quickly, arresting one suspect as he tried to flee the restaurant. A second suspect was arrested after he broke into a vacant house nearby.

A third suspect was located in a field, but when police approached him, he took his own life, Lt. Turno said. SLED is investigating the death because of police involvement.

The fourth suspect carjacked a vehicle at a nearby car wash and made its owner drive him to Hampton Avenue, where he got out and fled on foot.

Police are asking anyone with information on that suspect to contact the Aiken Department of Public Safety at (803) 642-7620. Individuals also can call Crimestoppers of the Midlands at (888) CRIME-SC. Callers can remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.

In custody are Sean Mark Rodriguez, 25, and Robert Mills Jr., 27, both of Columbia. They face numerous charges including armed robbery and kidnapping.

Investigators said they also recovered a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer from the scene that was stolen last month in a Columbia carjacking.

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.