N.A. man linked to multiple crimes arrested in Augusta

A North Augusta man linked to multiple home invasions and car break-ins in the area, including the theft of weapons and ammunition from a law enforcement officer's unmarked vehicle, has been jailed in Augusta, officials said.

Jordan Contrell Dukes, 20, was arrested Wednesday at an East Augusta Commons apartment in downtown Augusta and transported directly to the Richmond County Detention Center, said Lt. Tim Thornton with North Augusta Public Safety.

Investigators have recovered evidence linking the 20-year-old man to multiple crimes, including a vehicle break-in at an Aiken County Sheriff's Office deputy's residence, but the weapons stolen have not been recovered, Thornton said.

The deputy's full-length M16 rifle, tech sight, Glock pistol, laptop, wireless Internet unit, gas mask, personal protective clothing, fully loaded ammunition vest and other assorted items were reportedly taken during a break-in, officials said, and evidence was collected from the vehicle.

Investigators said they do not believe the deputy's vehicle was targeted.

"This is still an active investigation, and we are focused on recovering all the stolen property," Thornton said.

Officials said they also uncovered evidence connecting Dukes to a Jan. 16 home invasion on Vancouver Drive and a home invasion on Hampton Avenue in North Augusta on Jan. 9

Investigators said Dukes forced his way into the Hampton Avenue home while a 94-year-old was sleeping. He entered the woman's bedroom during the break-in, but she never heard him, deputies said at the time of the incident.

The suspect reportedly stole the victim's car, which was later found abandoned with the keys still inside.

Several warrants will be served upon his extradition to South Carolina, Thornton said.

The police lieutenant added that officers from multiple jurisdictions had a vested interest in the investigation, which included officers from North Augusta Public Safety, Aiken County Sheriff's Office, Richland County Sheriff's Office, Richmond County Sheriff's Office, Aiken Public Safety, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Marshal's Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The investigation operated under the umbrella of the U.S. Marshal's Service, including teams with Operation Intercept and the South Eastern Regional Fugitive Task Force.