Local news in brief for May 145/13/2008 9:07 PM 
0
Deputy reports hearing shots in foot chaseThe Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, late Tuesday, called in its S.W.A.T. officers, a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter and the Aiken Bloodhound Tracking Team after a deputy reported hearing shots fired during a foot chase.A deputy spotted a vehicle without a proper license plate about 7:30 p.m. on Silver Bluff Road, but before initiating a traffic stop the driver sped off.Lt. Michael Frank, a spokesperson with the sheriff’s office, said the deputy left and then proceeded down a dirt road and spotted the suspect again. This time the suspect appeared as if he was possibly loading property in the back of his pickup truck.A Jackson police officer had joined the deputy and the suspect took off running into the woods, officials said.At that point the deputy reported hearing shots fired.Frank said the incident was under investigation but added that S.W.A.T. had not deployed and the SLED helicopter had left.Deputies were investigating the incident but had only preliminary information about who the suspect may have been.No one was injured or struck by gunfire, he said.Group looking for WWII veteransThe Augusta Richmond County Historical Society is seeking World War II veterans from the Aiken area to participate in a Veterans History Project. Approximately 75 of the 325 veterans in the CSRA area have been interviewed, many of them at Aiken Technical College. A DVD will be produced of each interview to be given to the veteran. A copy will be sent to the Library of Congress as part of a national program that already has included more than 50,000 responses. To be included in the project or for more information, call coordinator Fred Gehle at (706) 738-8242.Wackenhut names Ray as director
Wackenhut Services Inc. announced this week the addition of Eddie Ray as director of administration. Ray is assuming the position of Gene McCarthy, who has announced his retirement.
Ray will oversee seven departments, consisting of 66 employees, with an annual operating budget of an estimated $8.3 million.
Having served for more than 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he possesses bachelor's and master's degrees and is pursuing a doctoral degree.
Man claims he was robbed at gunpoint
Aiken Public Safety is investigating an Aiken man's claims that he was robbed at gunpoint early Saturday while he was carrying a Pizza Hut deposit bag.
The victim told police he was on Laurens Street around 3:15 Saturday morning when an armed man wearing a ski mask and all black clothing pointed a handgun at him and ordered him to put his hands up. The man said the gunman took his money and then jumped into the back seat of a dark colored car and left.
The incident is under investigation. The victim had little suspect information to report.
Former senator to speak at museum
The Aiken County Historical Society's special meeting today will feature former South Carolina state Sen. Marion H. Smoak at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will be served after the meeting.