Police Blotter
Minor earthquake reported in area
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A minor earthquake rattled homes and windows throughout Columbia County late Tuesday, according to emergency management officials.
Earthquake sensors in Georgia and South Carolina - and in particular at Savannah River Site - estimated the temblor at 1.8 on the Richter scale, a relatively minor event, Columbia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker said. The epicenter of the quake occurred along the Georgia-South Carolina line south of Thurmond Dam, she said.
Many residents in an area from Ray Owens Road near Georgia Highway 150 to Ridge Road south to Hardy McManus Road reported hearing what sounded like an explosion near their homes, Tucker said.
No damage or injuries were reported. The Augusta area includes several prehistoric earthquake faults that occasionally stir seismic activity far beneath the earth.
The largest quake measured in the Columbia County area occurred Aug. 2, 1974, and registered 4.2 on the Richter scale. Similar seismic activity was detected in the Evans area Jan. 18, 2005, between midnight and 5 a.m.
The following accounts were taken from reports filed with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office:
Nevada woman reports bigamy
A Las Vegas woman told deputies by phone Monday that she had discovered evidence that her estranged husband had married another woman in Columbia County.
The 38-year-old said she received an e-mail from another woman, which compelled her to check Columbia County Probate Court records. Her check revealed that her 51-year-old husband, of North Augusta, had indeed married again.
The woman said she could produce her marriage license and had found a copy of her estranged husband's Columbia County marriage certificate online.
Augusta man is arrested after brawl
Deputies arrested an Augusta man late Tuesday on simple battery and other charges after being called to an altercation at a Martinez pool hall.
Zedric Thomas, 20, of the 1400 block of Leebeard Way, also faces driving under the influence and open container charges and was being held Friday at the Columbia County Detention Center on $3,300 bond.
A 22-year-old Martinez man told deputies that an argument between himself and Thomas turned physical outside the Rack and Grill on Old Petersburg Road. The Martinez man said Thomas pushed him to the ground and struck him repeatedly with his hands and feet.
Gold Cross paramedics treated the Martinez man at the scene for minor injuries to his face and arms.
Martinez ex-convict reports burglary
An ex-convict from Martinez told deputies Tuesday that someone burglarized his house last month while he was in prison.
The 59-year-old from Anneswood Road told deputies his wife discovered that their home had been entered and jewelry scattered around their bedroom. The man said jewelry, a painting and assorted hand tools were among the items missing.
Evans High student reports car theft
An Evans High School student told deputies Tuesday that someone stole his stepfather's truck from the school's parking lot.
The 18-year-old from the 5100 block of Parnell Way in Martinez said the silver 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup was parked at the school at about 3 a.m. and was determined to be missing before 5 p.m. No suspects were listed in the report.
Evans woman says her car was taken
An Evans woman told deputies Tuesday that someone stole her car from her home.
The 60-year-old discovered her green 1994 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale missing from her yard in the 500 block of Ansley Way