CRIME

Columbia County manhunt suspect previously convicted of arson and armed robbery in Augusta

Alexandra Koch
Augusta Chronicle

Columbia County deputies are searching for a Martinez man with extensive criminal history in Augusta after he fled from deputies in a stolen car during a traffic stop Thursday night.

Richard Anthony Dahlheimer, 42, of Martinez, has 10 warrants for his arrest in Columbia County.

Accusations in the warrants include:

  • Feb. 2, 2023 - Theft by receiving stolen property. Dahlheimer is accused of stealing a 2018 Nissan Rouge that was reported stolen in Richmond County. He is also accused of using the vehicle in a high speed chase to elude arrest.
  • Feb. 2, 2023 - Fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer (felony). Dahlheimer is accused of failing to stop for a Columbia County Sheriff's Office vehicle and continuing to drive more than 20 mph over the speed limit. Dahlheimer's vehicle was going nearly 100 mph in wet road conditions.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Interference with a 911 call. Dahlheimer is accused of hindering another person, with intent to cause harm, from making a 911 call. Dahlheimer pushed the victim, preventing them from calling law enforcement.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Battery (Family violence). Dahlheimer is accused of causing visible bodily injury by grabbing the victim by the arm and pushing her down during a domestic altercation in Martinez.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Battery (Family violence). Dahlheimer is accused of causing visible bodily injury to another by punching the victim in the chest during a domestic altercation in Martinez.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Burglary in the first degree. Dahlheimer is accused of breaking into the attached garage of a home on the 4000 block of Spencer Street in Martinez and stealing a backpack blower valued at $300.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Entering an auto. Dahlheimer is accused of entering a vehicle of another with the intent to commit a theft or felony. He is accused of stealing a pair of sunglasses from the vehicle.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Entering an auto. Dahlheimer is accused of entering a vehicle of another with the intent to commit a theft or felony. He is accused of stealing two Dewalt drills from the vehicle.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Theft by shoplifting. Dahlheimer is accused of stealing two bottles of Dior Sauvage fragrance from Ulta Beauty on Washington Road in Evans. The value of both bottles was $200.
  • Jan. 19, 2023 - Theft by taking. Dahlheimer is accused of stealing two Dewalt drills, one Dewalt grinder, sunglasses and paperwork from a home on the 100 block of Sigman Place in Martinez.

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Dahlheimer was last seen wearing a black hat and a black jacket, according to a news release. He is a 5-foot-10 white male, weighs 158 pounds, has dark-colored hair and brown eyes, and has a "Jessica" tattoo on the right side of his neck, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies searched the area of Harlem toward McDuffie County through the night, but he has not been located as of mid-morning Friday, according to officials.

Dahlheimer does not have a violent history in Columbia County, according to officials. However, he does have a violent criminal history in Richmond County, according to Augusta Clerk of Court records.

Extensive criminal history

Dahlheimer has committed dozens of felonies in Augusta, according to Augusta Clerk of Court records.

Since 2012, he has been charged with 36 felonies, including arson in the first degree, armed robbery, financial fraud, theft and drug charges, according to records.

Dahlheimer has also been charged with a number of misdemeanors, including obstructing an officer multiple times.

His most recent arrest was on Aug. 16, 2018, when he fled on foot from a traffic stop in Augusta, according to previous reporting.