AUGUSTA, Ga. – In the early hours of January 22, at around 2:06 a.m., deputies from the Richmond County Road Patrol were on the lookout for a man named Joshua Ledane Anderson.

Anderson was believed to be driving a black Nissan Altima. He was sought for questioning in connection with a homicide that took place on January 15 at 619 East Boundary Street.

The authorities noted that Anderson was also facing numerous outstanding warrants for both felony and misdemeanor offenses. These included charges of methamphetamine possession, contempt of court for child support, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, loitering and prowling, criminal trespass, simple battery involving family violence, and a state court bench warrant.

While conducting a patrol in the East Augusta Commons area at 420 East Boundary Street, deputies spotted Anderson inside the vehicle. Upon noticing the patrol car, Anderson promptly exited the car, leaving it in the middle of the street, and fled into Apartment 133, where he locked himself inside.

At the time, it was unclear whether Anderson was armed or if there were other individuals present in the apartment.

Deputies secured the area and attempted contact with Anderson, but efforts were unsuccessful.

Due to the circumstances and the potential threat to the surrounding residents, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was activated.

Nearby residents were notified and evacuated for their safety.

The Drone Team responded and provided continuous aerial observation.

Augusta Fire Department personnel and Central EMS crews were on scene in a standby capacity as is protocol in situations such as this.

A trained negotiator attempted contact through the suspect’s cell phone, but Anderson refused to answer. Continued attempts were made to resolve the situation peacefully using the Armored Vehicle loudspeaker system.

After Anderson was advised that the RCSO robot was positioned at the door and would be making a forced entry followed by SWAT personnel, he came out the apartment with his hands raised and surrendered without further incident.

No individuals were injured during this incident.

Anderson was taken into custody peacefully and transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning before being booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on his outstanding warrants.

Anderson has not been charged in connection with the homicide.

At 3:40 a.m., Chief Blanchard advised Dispatch that the suspect was in custody and the residence had been safely cleared. The scene was declared safe, and residents in the area were notified of the situation and informed that the area had been secured. Individuals were allowed back into their apartments.

Two additional women were inside the apartment and were released without charges.

Sheriff Gino Brantley stated, “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. Valuable information from CID was extremely helpful in this incident. The ability to resolve dangerous situations without injury is a direct result of preparation, professionalism, and teamwork. We also appreciate the cooperation of community members who evacuated when asked and allowed our personnel to work safely. Every peaceful resolution makes our community safer for all.”

This is the 3rd time that the Richmond County SWAT team responded to an incident in 2 days.