Latest news with #OconeeCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Upstate man arrested following overdose death
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate man was arrested Tuesday in relation to an overdose death reported in Oconee County. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office charged 35-year-old Akeem Olajuwon Chavezia Williams, of Central, with involuntary manslaughter following the overdose death of a 24-year-old Seneca man. On Sunday, March 30, deputies responded to a home on South Oak Pointe Drive near Lake Keowee after the victim was found dead in a room by a family member. Narcotics, including blue pressed pills, were also found in the room, according to the sheriff's office. Evidence gathered from the scene was sent to the sheriff's office for testing. It was determined by the Oconee County Coroner's Office that the deceased individual had fentanyl in his system. Other evidence obtained throughout the investigation identified Williams as a person of interest due to him supposedly selling the blue fentanyl pills to the victim on March 29. After consultations with the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, arrest warrants were obtained against Williams, according to deputies. He was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center, where he awaits bond. Deputies also charged the suspect with distribution of a controlled substance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Escaped inmate who led police on high-speed chase across state lines catches fire during arrest
The Brief Daniel Jesse Bell, a Hall County inmate, escaped from a work-release program and led authorities on a high-speed chase across state lines, ending in a crash in South Carolina. Bell fled on a suspected stolen motorcycle after cutting off his ankle monitor, initiating a pursuit that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. After crashing into a power pole, Bell was stunned with a Taser, caught fire, and was taken into custody; he is currently under guard at a burn center, with charges pending. WESTMINSTER, S.C. - A Hall County inmate who escaped from a work-release program was taken into custody Monday after leading authorities on a high-speed chase across state lines that ended in a fiery crash and arrest in South Carolina. What we know According to the Stephens County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, the incident began around 3:44 p.m. on June 2, when a K-9 unit deputy attempted to stop a black motorcycle suspected of being stolen. Law enforcement had received information identifying the driver as 39-year-old Daniel Jesse Bell of Braselton, who had fled from his work-release assignment earlier that afternoon after cutting off his ankle monitor. When the deputy activated emergency lights on Highway 123, Bell fled at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit that continued into South Carolina. Deputies from the Oconee County Sheriff's Office took over the chase, which ended in Westminster when Bell crashed into a power pole while attempting a left turn. Officers attempted to take Bell into custody, but he refused to comply and was stunned using a Taser. Deputies quickly noticed Bell had caught fire and acted swiftly to extinguish the flames. He was then taken into custody by South Carolina authorities and transported to a burn center for treatment, where he remains under guard. What we don't know No word on when he will be released from the hospital and will return to Georgia. Charges are pending. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into how the fire ignited. The Source The Stephens County Sheriff's Office provided the details for this article.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man wanted in gun store burglary in Oconee Co.
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said they are looking for a man in connection to a burglary that took place at an Oconee County gun store. On Saturday May 24, deputies were dispatched to the Deep South Defense store on Highway 123 near Old Clemson Highway, regarding reports of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies were told by the owner that the back door of the business was broken. Authorities said that an AR-15 style rifle had been stolen from the store. Security footage showed a white man entering and exiting the building, as well as walking by the next door business. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the investigation. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information about the incident to contact their office or submit an anonymous tip at 1-844-71-CRIME. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Oconee Co. deputy awarded prestigious honor, overcomes life threatening injury
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A deputy who survived a life-threatening injury received an award from the National Association of Police Organizations on Wednesday. Family, local leaders, and law enforcement honored an Corporal Lucas Watts, who was shot in the line of duty. Watts was shot in November 2023 when trying to make a traffic stop. 'The night of the shooting, we were not 100% sure how else things were going to turn out, and we knew it didn't look good,' Watts said. 'It shows you that God has a way of deciding things that man does not decide.' Watts spent several months in the hospital, fighting for his life. On Wednesday, he stood in front of the crowd to receive a 'Top Cops' award, a prestigious honor from the National Association of Police Organizations. 'We've seen his little boy, Eli, running around today and that gives us hope,' said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, Third Congressional District South Carolina. 'I know he was fighting hard to rehabilitate from his injuries to be here with his wife and his son. That speaks volumes about his love for his family.' Biggs presented Watts with a letter from Governor Henry McMaster, recognizing Watts' bravery. Biggs gave Watts a challenge coin. 'As a US congresswoman, I have my own challenge coins,' said Biggs. 'I try to save those for special occasions. Today is absolutely a special occasion as we celebrate his resiliency and ability to come through on this event.' Watts was also given a flag that was flown over the United States Capital. 'I hope that will signify why he did the work that he did and put himself out there in the line of duty to protect us,' said Biggs. 'I think if you take a look at Lucas as he's progressed from that day, every day, it just seems to me he's getting better and better,' Watts said. 'We're grateful for that. He's not only a brother who wears a blue uniform, as you saw today, but he's also a friend to all of us, actually more like family.' The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said Watts is still recovering. His family appreciates the love and support the community has shown for the past year and a half. 'The bottom line is that we just continue to support him, lift his family and his friends up in prayer and support,' said Watt. Last year, Watts was awarded the 'Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year' award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two Upstate deputies bitten by dogs while on duty
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Two deputies suffered bite wounds from two, separate dog attacks while on duty, on Friday. On Friday morning, a deputy with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office was serving a civil paper in Mountain Rest. The deputy was then bitten on his lower leg by a Rottweiler, from behind. The sheriff's office said that the deputy did not require medical attention. Another Oconee County deputy was attempting to serve an arrest warrant, early Friday afternoon, in the Townville area. While attempting to serve the warrant, a Pitbull charged the deputy and bit him on his upper, right arm, the sheriff's office said. The deputy was transported by EMS to the hospital. 'Our deputies face risks every day,' said Sheriff Crenshaw. 'I am thankful that both areexpected to make a full recovery.' The sheriff's office said Animal Control responded and a further investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
