Video of deputy hitting teen is released by Aiken police

Authorities released a patrol car video on Wednesday showing an Aiken County sheriff's deputy striking an Aiken teenager in the throat after questioning him.

The deputy, Jeffrey S. Nation, 40, of Cottonwood Drive, was fired Tuesday after appearing before a Magistrate Court judge on charges of assault and battery and misconduct in office. In a news release, Lt. Michael Frank, of the sheriff's office, said Mr. Nation demanded that Lorenzo Williams Jr., 18, of New Ellenton, "pull up his pants" while the two were at the corner of Green and Jackson streets Sunday.

"I don't know why the deputy decided to stop him," Sheriff Michael Hunt said. "Baggy pants are not against the law."

Mr. Nation alleged that Mr. Williams attempted to "head-butt" him. After investigators viewed the video, they determined the former deputy's accusation was false. Sheriff Hunt apologized to Mr. Williams, to his family and to the community.

Police seek Augusta man in armed robbery of Circle K

Columbia County sheriff's authorities have identified an Augusta man who is wanted in the armed robbery of a Martinez convenience store earlier this week.

James Robertson Pawlak, 21, is being sought by authorities in the robbery that happened early Tuesday at a Circle K at the intersection of Belair and Columbia roads, said Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris. Mr. Pawlak is accused of using a handgun to demand cash and two cartons of cigarettes, police said.

"We've positively identified James Pawlak, aka James Epps, as the suspect who robbed the clerk at gunpoint," Capt. Morris said Wednesday night.

Video footage and fingerprint evidence played a role in naming Mr. Pawlak, he said. Mr. Pawlak's last known address is in the 200 block of Woodlake Drive in south Augusta, although he has been known to frequent downtown Augusta at Third and Fourth streets near East Boundary, police said. Anyone with information may call (706) 541-2800.

Police were investigating a shooting Wednesday night that left a man with a gunshot wound to the leg.

About 8:30 p.m., a man was taken to Medical College of Georgia Hospital, according to an Augusta 911 dispatcher. Richmond County sheriff's investigators were called to the corner of Clay Street and Wrightsboro Road.

No other details were available from authorities late Wednesday.

-- From staff reports