AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A suspect who was wanted for an aggravated assault incident was arrested during a smash-and-grab burglary, we learned from authorities on Monday.

Richmond County deputies say they were dispatched to a verified burglary alarm at Barney’s Pharmacy on Furys Ferry Road on Sunday at 4:04 a.m.

Upon arrival, deputies say they observed a suspect actively shoving medication into a duffle bag.

As additional deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect attempted to flee, carrying two duffle bags, deputies said.

He exited through a broken window, which appeared to be his point of entry, according to police.

Despite repeated verbal commands, the suspect refused to comply and continued his attempt to escape running from deputies, authorities say.

One deputy deployed his taser when the suspect began to resist while shouting, “It wasn’t me.” Due to continued non-compliance, another deputy was forced to deploy his taser. The suspect was then subdued and taken into custody without further incident, according to authorities.

Central EMS responded to the scene and treated the suspect for minor hand injuries, deputies say. Following medical evaluation at Wellstar MCG, the suspect was transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

Although the suspect provided deputies with several false names, fingerprint identification at the detention center revealed his true identity as Walter Anthony Tarver. He has been charged with:

• Smash-and-grab burglary
• Obstruction of a law enforcement officer
• Giving false name and/or date of birth to a law enforcement officer

Further investigation revealed that Tarver also had active warrants for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Back in December, we reported Tarver was wanted for wanted about an aggravated assault that happened on the 200 block of Warren Road.

Sheriff-elect Eugene Brantley and Chief Blanchard stopped by muster Sunday at 5:45 p.m. to thank the deputies for a job well done and present them with some law enforcement backpacks.

Sheriff Brantley praised the deputies’ swift actions in apprehending the suspect, stating, “Their quick response and professionalism ensured that this dangerous individual was taken off the streets before further harm could be done to our community.”

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AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to eight games with a thrilling 79-75 come-from-behind win over No. 19 Columbus State on Saturday afternoon. The victory improves Augusta to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference play, while handing Columbus State just their second loss of the season, dropping them to 10-2 and 1-1 in conference action.

Augusta (8-4, 2-0 Peach Belt)
FG% 51.1
3PT% 38.9
FT% 82.8

Columbus State (10-2, 1-1 Peach Belt)
FG% 45.1
3PT% 42.1
FT% 84.0

The final five minutes of the game showcased Augusta’s grit and composure. After trailing 71-65 with just over five minutes remaining, Demitri Gardner sparked a comeback with a pair of free throws at the 4:13 mark, cutting the deficit to four. Max Amadasun followed with a clutch three-pointer, narrowing Columbus State’s lead to 73-70 with 3:17 left.

John St. Germain III then drove into the paint for a layup, bringing Augusta within one at 73-72 with 2:40 on the clock. Moments later, Luis Nonfon capitalized on an offensive rebound with a go-ahead layup, giving the Jaguars a 74-73 lead at the 2:04 mark. Nonfon added a free throw to push the lead to two.

With the game tied at 75 after a Columbus State jumper, St. Germain III delivered again, hitting a layup with 30 seconds left to put Augusta ahead 77-75. Gardner sealed the victory by stealing the ball with six seconds remaining and converting two clutch free throws with two seconds left, giving the Jaguars a four-point lead. Max Amadasun’s defensive rebound on Columbus State’s final three-point attempt secured the win.

Gardner led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 9-15 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. He also added three rebounds and two steals, including the critical takeaway in the final seconds. Amadasun contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while St. Germain III added 12 points, five assists, and the decisive layup. Nonfon and Elias Palsson chipped in with key contributions down the stretch.

Next Up: The Jaguars will hit the road for their next game on Wednesday, January 8, when they face Clayton State University in Morrow, GA. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Augusta will then travel to Aiken, SC, for a rivalry matchup against USC Aiken on Saturday, January 11, at 3:30 p.m

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