Across the area

Police suspect DUI in wreck

Officials suspect alcohol was involved in a collision that killed a man Saturday on U.S. Highway 1 in Blythe.

Kevin Simpkins, 20, of Augusta, died when his 1992 Nissan Stanza was struck head-on by a Toyota pickup heading in the wrong direction on U.S. 1 near Georgia Highway 88 at about 8:40 p.m., said Richmond County Chief Deputy Coroner Mark Bowen.

An autopsy for Mr. Simpkins is scheduled for today.

Charles Silas, 42, of Matthews, Ga., was driving the 1985 Toyota pickup, said Richmond County sheriff's Cpl. Chuck Benson.

Mr. Silas was airlifted to Medical College of Georgia Hospital, Cpl. Benson said. He was in good condition Sunday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

"We believe alcohol is involved, but blood and urine tests are pending," Cpl. Benson said.

Motorists tell police men shot at them

Two Augusta men told police they were shot at while driving near the 1700 block of Gordon Highway on Saturday night, according to a Richmond County sheriff's report.

Fernando Walker, 19, and Johnathan Peterson told police that three men in a black Ford Mustang fired four shots into their 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, the report said.

Mr. Peterson said he recognized the men from an earlier altercation at the Augusta Mall but didn't know their names.

Neither of the men was injured.

Robbers take money at convenience store

Two men with bandannas covering their faces robbed the Savin Havin at 3333 Mike Padgett Highway on Saturday, according to a Richmond County sheriff's report.

The suspects pointed handguns at the store's clerk and demanded money from the cash register, the report said.

Police find missing man at Masters Inn

An Augusta man reported missing by his sister was located Saturday at the Masters Inn at 3027 Washington Road, according to a Richmond County sheriff's report.

Police found Elvis Ross Lawson, 25, while conducting an area check at the motel.

Mr. Lawson said he was unaware that his sister had reported him missing and that he would contact her soon.

Mr. Lawson was last seen Nov. 29.