A routine traffic stop in Augusta turned into a major felony arrest Monday afternoon when a sheriff’s deputy discovered the driver was wanted for burglary — and later linked him to two more break-ins that had occurred just the night before.
According to a press release from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 4:21 p.m. on May 12, when Deputy Noah Johnson of the Crime Suppression Team pulled over a green 1998 Buick LeSabre displaying a paper tag at the intersection of Apple Valley Drive and Mike Padgett Highway.
The driver, identified as 46-year-old Antonio Rodiquez Tyler, was immediately taken into custody after deputies learned he had an outstanding warrant for second-degree burglary stemming from a November 2024 break-in at a Burger King on Gordon Highway. Tyler also had an active felony failure to appear warrant.
But the arrest didn’t stop there.
Investigators say further evidence gathered during the traffic stop — along with previous investigative work by the Criminal Investigations Division — connected Tyler to two additional break-ins. He is now facing two more counts of second-degree burglary tied to a May 11 burglary at a Chevron gas station on Walton Way and another at a Dollar General store on Peach Orchard Road.
“Traffic stops do more than just slow down speeders—they often lead to the apprehension of individuals wanted for serious crimes,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said in the release. “This case is a great example of how situational awareness, training, and sharp investigative instincts come together to remove criminals from our streets.”
Tyler is being held in the Richmond County Jail. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could follow.
