Investigators question about shooting at gas station
A number of questions still surround a shooting that occurred in North Augusta over the weekend outside a convenience store off U.S. Highway 1.
The victim, a 20-year-old Augusta man, was outside Greg's Gas Plus when he was reportedly struck by a bullet; his injuries were not reported to be life-threatening.
Investigators are working to determine whether the victim was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was struck by a stray bullet or whether he was an intended target.
The Georgia man was pumping gas about 2 a.m. Sunday when a clerk at the convenience store said he heard several gunshots.
He told deputies he heard two initial shots that were followed by seven more but said he did not notice a suspicious person or vehicle when he heard the gunshots, according to reports.
Deputies investigating the shooting reported finding "several bullet fragments" near the gas station.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still very vague, said Sgt. Dave Myers, a spokesperson for the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators believe the gunfire might have originated at a nearby nightclub called Club Fusion, which is only a few hundred yards away, but they had not made any arrests by presstime Monday.
The club is in the City limits of North Augusta and in North Augusta Public Safety's jurisdiction.
North Augusta Public Safety officials did not return phone message left Monday. The gas station is located within Aiken County and is in the sheriff's office jurisdiction. Deputies say they will continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at (888) 599-TIPS. Callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.