Across the area

Authorities still seek man who led them on chase

A 45-year-old Atlanta-area man who eluded local and state law enforcement authorities Thursday night after a wreck and chase in McDuffie County was still being sought Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Senior Trooper John Freeman, of the Georgia State Patrol post in Thomson, identified the man as Steve James Williams, of Locust Grove, Ga. He is a 5-foot-9-inch white man weighing about 225 pounds. He last was seen in a wooded area along Fish Dam Road off Georgia Highway 43.

Trooper Stan White said Mr. Williams is wanted on fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, driving too fast for conditions, laying drag and leaving the scene of an accident.

Woman hit by car after running into its path

A woman suffered a head wound Friday morning in Martinez after she got out of her vehicle and into the path of another car.

Cheryl Wunsch, 51, of Martinez, was driving north on Wheeler Road behind a Pontiac Grand Prix at 10:35 a.m. when she apparently became irritated, pulled her BMW 325i in front of the Grand Prix and stepped out, said Columbia County sheriff's Deputy Greg Kernaghan.

The Grand Prix's driver, David Hunt Sr., 63, of Waynesboro, Ga., tried to reverse and drive around Ms. Wunsch, but she ran in front of his car and was hit, Deputy Kernaghan said. Her injuries were not life-threatening.

Barrett holds seminars on switch to digital TV

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., will hold seminars in the 3rd District during August to provide information on the transition to digital television, which will take effect Feb. 17.

One will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at Edgefield Town Hall, 400 Main St.

More information on digital TV is available at www.dtv.gov and at Mr. Barrett's Web site, www.barrett.house.gov.

Investigators search for 2 men in robbery

Richmond County investigators are searching for two men who robbed Colvin Finance on 8th Street on Friday morning.

The men entered the store about 9:40 a.m. and brandished handguns, according to Investigator Tess Alexander-Brunson. They fled the scene on foot after taking the cash.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (706) 821-1080.

Storey Mill Road crash victim is identified

Authorities have confirmed the name of a woman who died in a fiery crash on Storey Mill Road on Tuesday.

Shelia Lynn Goode, 42, of Hephzibah, was ejected from her vehicle after leaving the road and striking an embankment about 4 a.m., according to a Friday news release.

The car rolled and landed on top of her before catching fire.

Office fire suspicious, investigators say

A Thursday night fire at the New Ellenton magistrate office has been ruled suspicious by Aiken County investigators.

New Ellenton Assistant Fire Chief Ricky Foster said the fire occurred about 11 p.m. Firefighters responded within minutes and got the blaze under control before any files or records were destroyed.

The building sustained moderate smoke and heat damage.

An investigation by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and the New Ellenton Police Department determined the fire started just outside the building, then burned through an exterior wall and damaged an office and storage area.

Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at (800) 922-9709.

Suspect denied bond; trial to get priority

A judge denied bond Friday for a homicide suspect, but he agreed to give the case priority during the trial week of Sept. 8.

Brian Smoot, 26, has been in jail awaiting trial since his cousin, 24-year-old Donte R. Safford, died Sept. 28.

Assistant District Attorney Mack Taylor said Mr. Smoot beat his cousin with a baseball bat.

Mr. Smoot has pleaded not guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to murder charges.

- From staff reports