Three men were arrested Thursday in Augusta after a long-term gang investigation led to a major police raid at the Archer Green Apartments, where one of the suspects was charged with murder in connection to a 2024 drive-by shooting that killed an innocent bystander.
The coordinated operation by Richmond County deputies, SWAT officers and U.S. Marshals also turned up drugs, cash and a firearm. The afternoon raid at 3112 Damascus Road followed months of investigation by the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force and Gang Unit, with support from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, according to a RCSO press release.
Inside the apartment, investigators found about 415 grams of marijuana, a gun and nearly $5,700 in cash. The suspects – Damien Bell, Zayquan McNair and Kenneth Tanksley, all of Augusta – were taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
McNair, 21, was wanted for the murder of 54-year-old Argie Jones, a homeless woman who was shot and killed in a drive-by on Ellis Street in July 2024. Authorities say the shooting was part of an ongoing feud between rival gangs. Jones, who was not involved in the conflict, was hit by stray gunfire and died four days later at the hospital. Investigators have tied several suspects to that case as part of a wider probe into gang violence across Augusta.
McNair faces numerous felony charges, including murder, gang activity, firearm possession during a felony, property damage, marijuana distribution and possession of a firearm by a first offender. Bell faces an extensive list of gang-related charges, including aggravated assault, cruelty to children, drive-by shooting and multiple firearm violations. Tanksley was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during a felony.
Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the arrests show the department’s focus on dismantling violent gangs while working to prevent young people from being drawn into criminal activity. Authorities say more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
