Local news in brief for March 11

Police seeking prison escapee

The S.C. Department of Corrections continues its search for escaped inmate Brandon McDonald, who officials said walked away from the minimum-security Lower Savannah Pre-Release Center in Aiken on Tuesday.

McDonald is believed to be traveling in the western part of South Carolina between Aiken and Greenville with his common-law wife, Michelle Cooper, and their 8-month-old son. They have been traveling in a 1997 green Toyota Camry with South Carolina tag FFG 895, stated Josh Gelinas, public information officer for the Department of Corrections.

McDonald is considered armed and dangerous. He was convicted of assault and battery in Greenwood County and began serving a four year, one-month sentence in September 2009, Gelinas said.

He now faces a charge of felony escape, which carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, while Cooper faces charges of aiding and abetting McDonald's escape.

Anyone with information is asked to call (877) 349-2130 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., call 896-2258, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division at 737-9000 or local law enforcement.

Aiken County man reportedly shot

An Aiken County man was hospitalized Tuesday after he was reportedly shot at a residence on Elderberry Lane in Monetta Tuesday.

Aiken County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the residence for a burglary and shooting.

The victim had a gunshot wound to his side and was transported to the Medical College of Georgia.

Alcohol was involved in the incident, police said. No other details were available at press time.

Officials at MCG do not release patient information on shooting victims.