Augusta, GA
Wanted Augusta aggravated assault suspect arrested during burglary
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.”
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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An Augusta biomanufacturer will start making ammunition in the global fight against malaria.
Manus last week broke ground at its local plant on Lovers Lane on a production facility to produce artemisinin. The chemical is a key starting component in drug treatments to treat the deadly mosquito-borne illness. Malaria killed more than 600,000 people worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization
“This groundbreaking reflects a shift from dependence to capability,” said Ajikumar Parayil, Manus’ founder and CEO. “For decades, the U.S. has relied heavily on overseas supply chains for the building blocks of essential medicines. What we’re establishing in Augusta is a new model – one that restores control, strengthens resilience, and proves that advanced biomanufacturing can be deployed at scale, here at home.”
About 80% of key ingredients for essential U.S. medicines are made or sourced overseas, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
That has led companies such as Manus to pursue biomanufacturing production models capable of making medical compounds domestically, efficiently and on a large scale.
Earlier in 2026, Manus won federal funding to expand production to make shikimic acid, a key compound in the antiviral medication oseltamivir, better known by its brand name Tamiflu.
On April 30, Manus announced a partnership with the University of Georgia to start a structured biomanufacturing apprenticeship program in Augusta. With a UGA “academic blueprint,” according to Manus, apprentices would receive extensive training on live production equipment to produce more experienced professionals for bio-industrial manufacturers nationwide.
Manus reopened Augusta’s old NutraSweet plant in 2019. In 2021, it introduced NutraSweet Natural, a zero-calorie stevia sweetener made using a smaller environmental footprint.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Brent McMillian is being appointed as the new director of athletics at Augusta University, President Russell Keen announced Monday.
McMillian will begin the role on June 8, 2026.
According to AU, McMillian brings 13 years of athletics experience to the position. He previously served as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Engagement and Revenue Generation at Lipscomb University at Nashville.
“His vision aligns seamlessly with our goals for Jaguar Athletics: to champion student-athlete wellbeing, strengthen our competitive success, deepen community engagement, and build a vibrant, spirited campus culture,” Keen said. “His experience, combined with his personal connection to Augusta University, positions him to hit the ground running in a meaningful way.”
McMillian is a graduate of Greenbrier High School and attended Augusta University before completing his degree at the University of Tennessee.
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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local restaurants hosted brunches for Mother’s Day, allowing neighbors to celebrate the day with the special women in their lives.
The Brunch House of Augusta on Greene Street hosted a brunch. The restaurant served berry pancakes and French toast, waffles, ham and cheese breakfast sliders and more breakfast foods.
One of the owners said the holidays are a great time for them to make connections with the community.
“We just had a group here come here that’s been coming here every year Mother’s Day for three years, every year basically since we’ve been open, they come in every year for Mother’s Day. We have people from out of town come and travel and visit us, so it’s definitely building that connection,” said Ashley Brown, co-owner of The Brunch House of Augusta.
Brown said they will be offering some specials for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday next month.
The Frog and the Hen also hosted a Mother’s Day brunch. The restaurant had about 350 people come in as of around 3 p.m.
They served foods like fried chicken, cheddar biscuits, French toast casserole and more.
The general manager said she enjoys seeing families come in for holidays like Mother’s Day.
“I feel like these are all my children here, so I feel like this day just in general, like I get to be the mother here, and so this is like I’m mother hen, so I get to take care of all this. I love supporting all the people as well and just being able to get the best food possible, the best chicken everywhere,” said Sheridan Roberts, general manager of Frog and the Hen.
Roberts said they often have to stop making reservations a few weeks ahead of the holiday due to the amount they receive.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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