Local Radar

Paid for by the Joan Herlong for Probate Judge Committee

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Paid for by the Candidate

Four hour manhunt ends in arrest of Augusta man for multiple charges

web posted Apri 28, 2006

BETTIS ACADEMY – An Augusta man was taken into custody after running from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and ending after a four-hour manhunt in the Brightharp Road area off Highway 25. The Highway Patrol spotted Ruben Simpkins, 21, of Augusta Georgia, speeding 63 mph in a 35 mph zone. When the Trooper turned around to conduct a traffic stop Mr. Simpkins refused to stop.

When Mr. Simpkins turned down Mt. Zion Road the pursuing officer “backed off” a little trying to keep the man from crashing on the curvy road. Another Trooper headed to the scene spotted the truck Mr. Simpkins was driving running through the stop sign at Mt. Zion Road and Highway 25, shooting across to Brightharp Road.

Mr. Simpkins continued down Brightharp Road until reaching the dead end where he abandoned the truck he was driving, which was believed to be stolen from Aiken County. Fleeing on foot, Mr. Simpkins was spotted by several area residents entering the heavily wooded area nearby. Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies, including Sheriff Dobey, patrolled the area while the bloodhounds were brought to the scene.

The dog-team searched the woods for three hours without successfully locating Mr. Simpkins. About an hour after abandoning the search the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident that the man was seen walking down Brightharp Road about 4:00 pm. Deputies arrived a few minutes later and took Mr. Simpkins into custody.

When approaching Mr. Simpkins, Deputies saw him toss a gun into the grass, which was recovered at the scene.

Mr. Simpkins was transported and booked into the Edgefield County Detention Center on charges of driving under suspension, failure to stop for a blue light, speeding 63 mph in a 35 mph zone, and no seat belt. Additional charges are pending against Mr. Simpkins and those charges will be added Monday.
 

 

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