Officials say blaze at car wash was arson

Authorities say a fire at an Augusta car wash Friday appears to be the result of arson.

While checking the area about 5 p.m. Friday, Richmond County sheriff's deputies noticed that the Walker Car Wash in the 1600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard had been set ablaze, according to a sheriff's office report. The officers contacted the Richmond County Fire Department, and investigators determined someone had used gasoline to start the fire.

Aiken County investigators arrested four people this week accused of robbing a pizza delivery driver more than a week ago at an abandoned home in Warrenville.

Gary T. Jackson, 18, of Langley; and Joseph W. Taylor, 17, of Warrenville; were arrested Thursday by Aiken County sheriff's deputies. Justin Pollock, 17, of Beech Island, was arrested Wednesday afternoon. All three are in the county jail on charges of strong-arm robbery.

A 15-year-old, whose name is not being released, also has been arrested in connection with the robbery, said Lt. Troy Elwell, of the sheriff's office.

About 10:30 p.m. on July 23, the Domino's employee drove to 129 Simonds St. When he knocked and received no answer, the driver returned to his truck and was attacked by two men, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. One man grabbed the delivery man and demanded money. The two then fled, the statement said. Bond has been set at $50,000 for Mr. Jackson, $30,000 for Mr. Taylor and $30,000 for Mr. Pollock.

A total of $11,500 in metal wiring was reported stolen from a man's home on Blackberry Lane on Thursday.

The victim said he came home and saw a white truck pulling out of his driveway with the coils of steel, aluminum and copper, according to a Richmond County Sheriff's Office report.

-- From staff reports