SWAT Standoff Ends With Arrest of Homicide Person of Interest in East Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. – A man wanted for questioning in a January homicide and facing multiple outstanding warrants was taken into custody early Wednesday after a brief standoff at the East Augusta Commons apartment complex, authorities said. No injuries were reported.
At about 2:06 a.m. Jan. 22, Richmond County Road Patrol deputies located Joshua Ledane Anderson at the East Augusta Commons, 420 East Boundary Street, after investigators advised he might be driving a black Nissan Altima. Anderson was sought for questioning in connection with a Jan. 15 homicide at 619 East Boundary Street and had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants unrelated to that case.
Deputies Tyler Holland and Field Training Deputy in Training Cameryn Cook observed Anderson inside the vehicle. When he saw a marked patrol car enter the complex, Anderson exited the vehicle in the roadway and ran into Apartment 133, locking himself inside. Deputies said it was unknown whether he was armed or whether others were inside the residence.
After attempts to make contact were unsuccessful, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office activated its SWAT team. Incident command was established by Lewis Blanchard, Bo Johnson, Danny Whitehead, and SWAT Commander James Kelly.
Nearby residents were notified and evacuated. A drone team provided aerial observation, while Augusta Fire Department and Central EMS staged nearby as a precaution. A trained negotiator attempted to reach Anderson by phone, and additional contact efforts were made using an armored vehicle loudspeaker. RCSO’s Intel and Real Time Crime Center provided ongoing support, and 911 dispatch coordinated radio traffic across multiple channels.
After being advised that a forced entry would occur using an RCSO robot followed by SWAT personnel, Anderson exited the apartment with his hands raised and surrendered without incident. He was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning and later booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on his outstanding warrants. Authorities said Anderson has not been charged in connection with the homicide.
At 3:40 a.m., Blanchard notified dispatch that the suspect was in custody and the residence had been cleared. Residents were then allowed to return to their apartments.
Two additional people were encountered during the incident. Shermere Hardin was found inside the vehicle Anderson had been occupying and was released without charges. Stephanie Morris was located inside the apartment, detained, and later released without charges.
“This incident is an example of how trained negotiators, disciplined SWAT members, and coordinated efforts from our Road Patrol Division can bring high-risk situations to a peaceful resolution,” said Sheriff Gino Brantley, citing assistance from investigators and cooperation from residents.
