AUGUSTA, Ga. () – On Thursday morning, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Deputies were overseeing traffic at the intersection of 12th Street and Broad Street due to a substantial fire in an abandoned building.

While present at the scene, witnesses approached the deputies and reported that a man named Cameron Perkins claimed responsibility for setting the building ablaze and expressed intentions to repeat the act the following day.

Deputies quickly located Perkins on Broad Street based on the description provided. When approached, Perkins fled on foot.

One of the deputies pursued Perkins onto Jones Street and commanded him to halt. When Perkins failed to comply, the deputy initiated his Taser while in pursuit, striking the suspect in the back.

Perkins then surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

He is being charged with:

• Arson 1st Degree
• Criminal Damage 2nd Degree
• Terroristic Threats
• Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer
• Obstruction

Sheriff Eugene Brantley remarked: “Although we may not prevent every incident, collaborating as a community ensures those involved in harmful actions impacting us all are swiftly captured and prevented from committing further offenses. We appreciate it when citizens join us in resolving issues and enhancing Augusta for everyone. We are fortunate to have such outstanding Deputies and Supervisors in our Road Patrol who frequently capture offenders immediately, thus conserving numerous man-hours that would be spent investigating and searching for suspects across other divisions.”

The investigation remains ongoing.