Bond denied for man accused of shooting teen at Walmart - WRDW

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re learning new details about the shooting of a 13-year-old girl at the Walmart on the 2000 block of Whiskey Road — and the man who’s accused of doing it.

According to dispatchers, the shooting occurred at 7:34 p.m. Wednesday. The girl was shot in the arm and the stomach area, according to an incident report from the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

After shots rang out, Walmart emptied with law enforcement on standby outside the front doors.

WATCH:

While responding to the scene, 32-year-old Stephen Christopher Foreman, the suspect, called and told officers he was at the nearby KFC. Two officers rerouted to the location and found Foreman.

He was taken into custody and transported to the Aiken County Detention Center.

Stephen Christopher Foreman, 32.(WRDW)

Upon arrival, officers found the young victim semi-conscious, pale and showing symptoms of shock. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

WHERE IT HAPPENED:

According to the Aiken Department of Public Safety, Foreman is charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.

Foreman admitted to putting the gun on a shelf in Walmart, according to the incident report. Deputies found the semi-automatic Colt 1911 pistol in the cards section on the bottom shelf. According to the report, a .45-caliber shell casing was located.

Judge Lauren Maurice denied bond at his 3 p.m. hearing at the detention center.

WATCH:

Judge Lauren Maurice denied bond at his 3 p.m. hearing at the detention center.

At the hearing, Maurice decided his first court appearance will be on Aug. 11, and the second is on Oct 6.

The victim, “has a very long road to recovery ahead of her,” the family member said.

“As a result of this injury, no telling how her career will be affected and no telling her mental state,” the family member said.

The family member said she will need at least two to three more surgeries, and the family is asking for a no-contact order.

If found guilty, the attempted murder charge carries up to 30 years in prison, and the possession of weapon charge carries up to five years, according to the judge.

Maurice says she finds Foreman a danger to the community and ordered no contact with family.

Victim services told the judge the victim’s father reported that while they were in Walmart, Foreman randomly started shooting. The 13-year-old was shot in the right wrist that went through the side of her stomach. Her father says her stomach is torn, and the bullet is still lodged in her spine.

Walmart released a statement to News 12. Officials say senseless violence is inexcusable, especially involving a teenager.

Senseless violence like this is inexcusable, especially involving a teenager. Our thoughts are with this young girl and her family, and we’re hopeful for her healthy recovery. Additionally, counseling services have been offered to our associates.

We’re grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and will work with them in every way possible during their investigation.

Officials say there is no known relationship between the victim and the suspect, and no motive is known.

James Williams was just feet away from the victim when he heard a gun go off. He says seconds later — he was chasing Foreman out of the store.

“I seen him in the clothing section and just took off running,” he said. “I tried to hold her legs and keep her still on the ground. She kept wanting to toss around.”

He says it’s a lesson to look out for each other and be aware of your surroundings.

“If it would happen to my daughter … I got one that’s 16 and one that’s 13. If it happened to one of them, I’d hope somebody was there to do the same thing,” said Williams.

The Aiken Department of Public Safety and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office both responded to the scene.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

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