Aiken Department of Public Safety officer terminated after use of excessive force investigation

Bianca Moorman, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Jan. 9—An officer with the Aiken Department of Public Safety was terminated following a departmental internal investigation into an excessive force complaint.

On Jan. 3, the Aiken Department of Public Safety received a complaint that officer Anthony Mason used excessive force during an arrest, according to a media release from the department.

Around 11:57 a.m. Jan. 3, Mason responded to Two Notch and East Pine Long roads in reference to a collision, according to an incident report from the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

While Mason collected the vehicle information and insurance, he observed a heavy odor of marijuana coming from one of the vehicles, the report said.

After completing an accident report, Mason stated he was going to conduct a probable search and a passenger, Akia Jordan, told police he didn't want the vehicle searched, according to the report.

While police instructed Jordan to step onto a grassy area, he walked away and Mason then grabbed Jordan's arm and advised him to place his hands behind his back, the report said.

Jordan ran toward a McDonald's, and police pursued Jordan across four lanes of traffic. Jordan then surrendered, the report said.

Jordan continued to resist arrest before Mason struck Jordan on the top of the head, the report said.

Jordan was detained and was placed in custody with failure to comply, the report said.

Mason then searched the vehicle, the report said.

While in a patrol vehicle, Jordan said he needed EMS due to dizziness and EMS arrived for an evaluation, the report said.

Jordan was later transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers for a jail clearance before being transferred to the Aiken County detention center.

Mason joined the department in 2021.

The department has turned over the case to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for an investigation for possible criminal charges.

Aiken Department of Public Safety said it will not provide additional comment pending the outcome of SLED's criminal investigation.