Moped Bandits Caught and Arrested

Three of Aiken’s upstanding citizens have been charged in connection to the attempted theft of a moped on Jefferson Davis Highway.

One of the thwarted thieves, Donna Nicole Hatcher, was charged with possession of meth and cocaine on top of simple larceny.  Joeseph Ennis and Nicholas Stallings  were charged with simple larceny as well.

An Aiken County deputy spotted the thieves on Jefferson Davis loading a moped into the back of their 1997 Ford truck. As he gave chase, the sticky-fingered foes ditched the truck and took off running into the woods. Ennis, the driver, was caught in pursuit.

The $1,000 motor scooter was returned unharmed, while the other three were detained. At this time, Donna Hatcher is the only one of the group still in jail on drug  possession charges.

Meth Toting Teacher Busted, Parents Furious

Today, class, we’re going to learn about a Mossy Oak teacher who was arrested for possessing meth with the intention of distributing it.

Sarah Feagan McKinnon, who we will refer to as Mrs. McKinnon from here on out, was booked on September 10. However, your mommies and daddies were shocked when they only heard about this from students like you three weeks later, and not from our highly respected school officials.

One parent in particular said that the e-mail she received only stated that Mrs. McKinnon would be “out of the classroom” and replaced with a substitute. Your parents are outraged because finding out about her stupidity would provide them a prime opportunity to talk to you about drugs. Of course, they could talk to you about drugs at any given time, but I guess it’s better when it’s at the expense of someone who gets caught.

Sorry kids, Mrs. McKinnon won’t be here for a long time. However, I can teach you about drugs since your parents missed the opportunity!

You see kids, your teacher was caught on September 10 with a small tin of meth in her crotch, as well as some Xanax. Her husband also had drugs on him. So what’s the lesson to be learned here?

Don’t do drugs if you’re a teacher. It’s embarrassing and sad. I just told you everything your parents would have told you in ten seconds.

Class dismissed!

Suspect Runs Free During Standoff

Police are asking for the public’s help after a man surreptitiously crept out of the back of a Hugh Street apartment as police gathered in a standoff.

The suspect, 23 year old James Albert Thomas Jr., was engaged in a fight with his 28 year old girlfriend when he pushed her out the front door, armed with a gun. A worried witness called police. When authorities showed up, the girlfriend was gone but Thomas remained  – with five children.

When authorities ordered Thomas to stand down, he fired back with obscenities from outside of an upstairs window. After this exchange, Thomas shut the window, cut the interior lights and seemingly vanished.

Police, suspecting he got away while a sizable crowd was gathering, proceeded to evacuate the surrounding neighbors and set up a perimeter. The children were safely taken out of the home.

Thomas is wanted for criminal domestic violence, two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm. He also reportedly threatened to kill his girlfriend and children.

For more information, read the full article at The Aiken Standard.

Multitude of Car Break-Ins in Aiken

Police are asking Aiken residents to store their valuables somewhere other than their cars, as there have been 75 reported car break-ins since the beginning of June.

Many of the crimes have been reported as “smash and grabs” where the criminals see  something enticing within reach and smash the window to obtain it.  Purses, electronics such as GPS systems, cash and other items have been some of the targeted items.

The common denominator with many of the crimes is the fact that the items taken were in obvious, plain sight.

No suspects have been named.

The majority of the break-ins have occurred in the Southside, but this could happen to anyone. To prevent this, take your cash, electronics and valuables indoors. If you must keep them in your car – hide them.

Read more, including commentary from police: Aiken Standard