Arson, kidnapping suspect nabbed in Augusta 7/26/2009 8:14 PM By MIKE GELLATLY Staff writer
A man being sought by Aiken County Sheriff's Office for a Saturday morning arson and kidnapping has been apprehended in Augusta. According to Sgt. Dave Myers, Richard Odell Johnson was arrested late Saturday evening by law enforcement officers in Richmond County. Johnson, 39, of 125 Carline Road, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, arson and criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. Sheriff's investigators determined by talking to the victim that she and the suspect had an argument. On Saturday Myers said the suspect "locked the two of them in the home and set the home on fire." The victim escaped unharmed while Johnson fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival at the fire. The fire was reported to have caused moderate damage to the building, and the blaze was extinguished quickly. Myers added that there has been no notice of when an extradition hearing would take place as of Sunday evening. Johnson has had significant dealings with police and the judicial system. According to court records, he was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill in 2005 and pleaded guilty. In December 2008, Johnson was charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and ill treatment of animals. Police reports state that Johnson stabbed and killed a dog during an argument with its owner. More recently, Johnson was booked into the Aiken County Jail on criminal domestic violence and trespass charges. Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.
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Comment Title:
When will America and SC get tough on crime and start issuing and swiftly executing capital punishment on violent felons and 2 time convicted felons. Clean up America of these parasites!
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Posted by: On: Monday, July 27, 2009 1:21 PM
Comment Title:
Isn't there something Aiken can do to just raze everything in the Valley and get rid of all those people and just start over?
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Posted by: On: Monday, July 27, 2009 12:02 PM
Comment Title: An animal!
Richard Odell Johnson is an animal and should be treated the same way he treated animals. I don't feel sorry for what his family is going through either. Put this beast away.
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Posted by: ME! On: Monday, July 27, 2009 8:01 AM
Comment Title: Yep!
I agree with the comment below. This man is apparently whacked in the head and has NO regard for human or animal life. KEEP this scumbag off of our streets!
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Posted by: On: Monday, July 27, 2009 4:33 AM
Comment Title: Arson, kidnapping suspect nabbed in Augusta
You need to put this man some place where you can watch him and he need to stay there for at least 30 years. He should not be allowed to post Bond while awaiting trial. This man is going to kill someone or someone is going to kill him.
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