Police nab final Aiken drive-by suspect

The last of four suspects linked to a Crosland Park drive-by this summer has been jailed for assault with intent to kill, officials said.

Ernest S. Croft, 19, with a last known address of Mississippi Avenue, was the alleged shooter who fired at a group of people from a moving car the evening of Aug. 27.

He was arrested about 5 p.m. Thursday on Dallas Circle.

Aiken Public Safety investigators said Ernest Croft, Stacey Croft, 17, and two juveniles were in the vehicle.

Stacey Croft was the accused driver and Ernest Croft the accused gunman, officials said.

The evening of the drive-by, witnesses told police that four males drove by in a Nissan Altima and then pulled into the yard at 1415 Aldrich St.

At that time, the motorists reportedly yelled something and sped away.

A few minutes later, the four reportedly returned.

Ernest Croft then leaned from the passenger side of the car and pulled out a handgun, according to arrest warrants.

No one was injured during the drive-by, police said.

The vehicle then sped away.

During a search of the area, a police sergeant found a vehicle matching the description given to the officers by witnesses in the parking lot of Crosland Park Apartments.

The two juveniles were arrested, but Ernest Croft and Stacey Croft were able to get away, police said.

The juveniles were charged with discharging a firearm within the city limits.

Police later released photos of the Crofts to media.

Stacey Croft surrendered to police a few days later.

He was booked at the Aiken County detention center.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.