Wanted suspect identified in armed robbery in Augusta

Isiah Burns (file mug)

Date: March 01, 2024

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has identified a suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery that took place Feb. 16 at the Raceway located at 3224 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

Isiah Deonte Burns, also known as Isiah Barnes, 18, stands accused of armed robbery. Burns is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds.

According to reports, Burns is alleged to have been involved in a robbery targeting individuals German Hernandez and Allie Watkins. Deputy Terry Parks responded to the incident at 3481 Wrightsboro Road on the evening of the robbery. Hernandez and Watkins recounted the ordeal to law enforcement officials.

Hernandez detailed the sequence of events, explaining that Burns, described as an “old friend,” approached the driver’s side of Watkins’ vehicle while another unidentified individual targeted the passenger side, stealing Watkins’ wallet and $140 in cash. When confronted by Hernandez, the assailant brandished a firearm, prompting Hernandez to fear for his life.

The situation escalated as Hernandez attempted to retrieve the stolen cash, resulting in a confrontation where the suspect allegedly threatened him with the firearm while accomplices in the vehicle urged violence. Ultimately, the perpetrators fled the scene with the stolen money.

In response to the incident, law enforcement authorities have urged caution, noting that Burns is considered potentially armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Burns’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact Investigator Ken Rogers or any Violent Crimes Investigator at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.

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The Author

Greg Rickabaugh is an award-winning crime reporter in the Augusta-Aiken area with experience writing for The Augusta Chronicle and serving as publisher of The Jail Report. He also owns AugustaCrime.com. Rickabaugh is a 1994 graduate of the University of South Carolina and has appeared on several crime documentaries on the Investigation Discovery channel. He is married with two daughters.

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