U.S. Marshals, Richmond County Deputies Arrest Man Wanted in Arson and Aggravated Assault Case

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A man wanted for aggravated assault and first-degree arson was arrested Wednesday afternoon by members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Johnny Rayford Davis Jr. was taken into custody at approximately 12 p.m. on July 1 in the 2700 block of Vernon Drive.

Authorities said Davis was wanted in connection with an aggravated assault and first-degree arson that occurred on Feb. 24, 2026.

Investigators located Davis inside the same residence where authorities allege he intentionally started the fire.

A previously issued wanted bulletin warned that Davis had a propensity for using fire as a weapon and had expressed suicidal ideations, prompting law enforcement to exercise additional caution during the arrest.

Davis was taken into custody without incident.

Richmond County Sheriff Gino Brantley praised the efforts of the agencies involved.

“I would like to thank the members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for their teamwork and dedication in apprehending this wanted individual,” Brantley said.