Deputies seek fire, domestic violence suspect

Police are searching for a Gloverville man in connection with a Saturday morning domestic dispute and house fire.

Richard Odell Johnson, 39, of 125 Carline Road, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, arson and criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature.

Sgt. Dave Myers of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said the sheriff's office and the Langley Fire Department responded a structure fire at the suspect's residence around 9 a.m. Myers said the fire was suspected to be arson.

The fire was suppressed quickly, and the damage was "moderate."

Sheriff's investigators determined by talking to the victim that she and the suspect had an argument. Myers said the suspect "locked the two of them in the home and set the home on fire."

The victim escaped unharmed. Johnson fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival at the fire.

The suspect is a white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds.

Earlier this month, Johnson was booked into the Aiken County detention center on charges of trespassing after notice and criminal domestic violence. It was not clear whether these charges were related to the victim in the current case or the disposition of those charges.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (800) 922-9709 or CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at (888) 599-TIPS.

Callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.