News Summary
Aiken County deputies are searching for Mickey Johnson, a 68-year-old man wanted for multiple charges including robbery and kidnapping. A SWAT team has been deployed after an attempted arrest at his residence was unsuccessful. The ongoing search coincides with community concerns over public safety and recent violent incidents in the area, prompting a call for improved mental health resources. Authorities are urging the community to assist in locating Johnson, who has a history of criminal activities linked to a drug distribution network.
Aiken, SC – Aiken County deputies are currently searching for 68-year-old Mickey Johnson, who is wanted for multiple charges, including strong-armed robbery, kidnapping, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Johnson’s case has prompted law enforcement to mobilize a SWAT team after an attempted arrest at a home in the 300 block of Seastrunk Street was unsuccessful.
On Thursday, deputies went to the residence under the impression that Johnson was barricaded inside. However, upon executing a search warrant and entering the home, deputies found no sign of him. Following the search, authorities remained at the scene until approximately 4:10 p.m. on Friday, continuing their efforts to locate Johnson.
This incident coincides with community concerns regarding public safety, as another barricade situation occurred earlier on the same day. A suicidal man had barricaded himself in an apartment in Augusta, where he ultimately took his own life. The tragic event has heightened awareness of the urgent need for mental health resources and intervention strategies in the area.
In a separate but related event, Johnson has a history tied to ongoing criminal activities. On August 19, two men, Coleman Tiko Duncan, 37, and Mickey Leonard Johnson, 50, were arrested during a traffic stop in Bath, SC. Their arrest was part of a larger, nearly 18-month-long narcotics investigation concerning drug distribution in the region. This particular investigation began in December 2015, after the arrest of another individual, Adrian Antonio Drayton, for trafficking over 200 grams of crack cocaine.
Johnson and Duncan were suspected of being involved in the drug distribution network, based on information received from citizens in Graniteville. Following a search of a storage unit used by both men on July 3, law enforcement discovered a substantial amount of illegal substances: 755 grams of cocaine, $18,000 in cash, and a stolen AR-15 rifle. The findings led to formal charges against both men on August 20, including trafficking cocaine (greater than 400 grams) and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Authorities have expressed their gratitude for the support and cooperation from community members during these ongoing investigations. Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt highlighted the importance of community assistance in bringing individuals involved in criminal activities to justice. Investigators are dedicated to curtailing the illegal drug trade and ensuring the safety of residents.
As the search for Mickey Johnson continues, Aiken County law enforcement remains vigilant, urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward. The situation underscores the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes and the associated violence, which have significant repercussions for public safety. The recent incidents serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring community security and the necessity of collective efforts in combating such issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Six Charged in Shooting Death of Woman in Lancaster County
Shooting Incidents in Chester County Leave One Dead
20-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder in Shooting
Six Charged in Fatal Shooting of Lancaster County Woman
Undocumented Immigrants Charged in Murder Case
Shooting Incidents in Chester County Lead to One Fatality
Teen Arrested in Connection with Fatal Chester County Shootings
Aiken Senior Men’s Club Discusses Online Scam Awareness
Chilean National Charged with Theft from Homeland Security Secretary
Couple Arrested After Attempted Robbery and Shooting in Augusta
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Investigators arrest two men on drug charges
- Google Search: Aiken County drug charges
- WJBF: Arrests made in long-term narcotics case in Aiken
- Wikipedia: Narcotics
- Augusta Chronicle: Two arrested in Aiken County drug investigation
- Google Scholar: Aiken County drug investigation
- WJBF: Aiken County deputies looking for wanted 68-year-old
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug crime
- WRDW: Wanted suspect sets off Aiken County SWAT response
- Google News: Aiken County SWAT response
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
