Williston Man Assaults Police Chief & Injures 2 Deputies

A Williston man attacked his city’s police chief and later injured two Aiken County deputies Friday night, authorities said.

A sheriff’s office press release spells out what happened:

At around 4:45 pm Friday, two Aiken County deputies came to the aid of the Williston police chief, who was being assaulted by a suspect who has been identified as Goldie Bellinger. While trying to apprehend Mr. Bellinger, the deputies received minor injuries. They were treated at a local hospital and released.

After further investigation it was determined that a female victim had provided the suspect with a ride to Aiken from the Williston area. On the return trip to Williston, the suspect became agitated and began to strike the victim and eventually held her at gun point.

When the vehicle made it to the Williston area, the suspect began to point the firearm at multiple people. After a short time in the Williston area, the suspect forced the victim to drive towards Aiken on US 78. While driving, the suspect struck the victim multiple times to include pistol whipping her.

During this time, the Williston police chief received reports of someone pointing and presenting a firearm at citizens in the town of Williston. The Williston police chief traveled west on highway 78 in an attempt to locate the suspect vehicle.

At some point near Pearl Lane, the victim was able to slow down and attempted to exit the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The suspect then struck and pistol whipped the victim again.

A struggle ensued which caused the victim to loose control of the vehicle and ended up on the side of US 78. The suspect exited the vehicle at which time he approached the Williston police chief’s vehicle and began to assault him.

This case is still an active investigation and charges are pending on Bellinger.

The woman was reported to be in fair and stable condition, authorities said.