One Suspect in Custody, One Sought in Columbia County

Wanted suspects were on the run in connection with separate recent incidents in Columbia and Richmond Counties, but one is now in custody.

Early this morning, the Sprint convenience store at 3444 Mike Padgett Highway was robbed at gunpoint around 9:00 am.   A surveillance picture of the robber was released in hopes someone would be able to help with information in the case.

Late today, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office says the suspect has been identified and is now in custody.

Investigators say Dustin Wayne Smith was identified as the suspect in the holdup.  He was taken into custody at 5:00 pm today and has been charged with Armed Robbery.  A booking photograph is not available yet.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying a woman they say is wanted for picking up someone's package that didn't belong to her at the UPS store at 403 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez on March 2.   When apprehended, the woman will be charged with Theft by Deception.

The victim told police he had ordered a computer graphics card online valued at $755.99.  A woman presented the UPS employees with the tracking number, a notarized document, and her identification card.  She left with the victim's package.  The incident was recorded inside the store with security cameras.  The victim said he doesn't know the suspect.

If you can help with information that could identify the suspect, contact Investigator Ben White in the Criminal Investigations Division at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at (706) 541-2800.