Aiken County deputies responded to a burglary in progress on the 100 block of Connector Road in Graniteville, S.C., around 9 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. They found the back door forced open, with suspects 32-year-old Jacob Craven and 51-year-old Grady Owenby inside the home. No residents were present at the time.
Suspect Actions and Response
Owenby attempted to flee by jumping out a window, leading to an altercation; he was captured and hospitalized for injuries from the fall. Inside, Craven pointed a gun at deputies, prompting them to fire and wound him; no deputies were hurt. Both suspects received medical treatment—Craven remains hospitalized pending release, while Owenby is detained at Aiken County Detention Center.
Charges and Investigation
Craven faces first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and grand larceny from an unrelated case. Owenby faces identical charges for this incident plus the prior larceny. SLED is probing the shooting (South Carolina’s 8th in 2026, Aiken’s first), while the Sheriff’s Office handles the burglary.
Official Statements
Sheriff Marty Sawyer praised deputies for critical decisions protecting lives, standing by their actions. Major Jason Griffin advised leaving and calling 911 if suspecting intruders, emphasizing home safety awareness. The scene involved K-9 units and cleared by 11:40 a.m. after a two-hour closure.
