News Summary
Former Richland County Council member Anthony ‘Tony’ Mizzell was arrested following a high-speed chase where he reached speeds of 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. Charged with multiple offenses including reckless driving and domestic violence, Mizzell’s erratic behavior continued after his arrest, where he reportedly threatened deputies and exhibited signs of substance use. He has a court appearance scheduled for August 29.
Columbia – Former Richland County Council member Anthony “Tony” Mizzell, 54, was arrested on June 29 after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and exhibiting threatening behavior. He is charged with multiple offenses, including failure to stop for blue lights, reckless driving, and third-degree domestic violence.
The chase began when deputies clocked Mizzell driving a Cadillac at approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone near Bluff Road and Atlas Road. Initially, Mizzell stopped for law enforcement; however, he then drove away, stating that his daughter was experiencing a medical emergency. The pursuit was short-lived, as Mizzell disregarded traffic control devices, traveling the wrong way down streets before abandoning the car and arriving at a residence on Wembley Street, located over 3 miles from the initial traffic stop.
At the home, deputies responded to a call from a female homeowner who reported receiving threatening text messages and audio recordings from Mizzell. She appeared visibly shaken and expressed fears for her safety, detailing that Mizzell’s threats included intentions to find the deputy’s residence and make violent threats against him.
Upon searching Mizzell’s vehicle, deputies discovered two firearms: a Sig Saur P365 handgun in the glove compartment and an AR-15 assault rifle with loaded magazines in the trunk. Following his arrest, Mizzell’s behavior became erratic. He threatened one of the deputies and complained of having seizures, prompting an evaluation by emergency medical services. Mizzell was subsequently transported to a hospital due to abdominal pain but was cleared of serious medical issues before being taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
At the detention center, Mizzell continued to exhibit disruptive conduct. Reports indicate that upon arrival, he reached into his pants and dropped a clear plastic bag, which was empty. However, a white powdery substance was later discovered on the patrol car seats, raising suspicions of substance use. Information regarding any sobriety tests is currently unavailable.
Mizzell is now facing several charges, including reckless driving, domestic violence, and threatening a public official. He was subsequently released on surety bonds totaling $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on August 29.
This incident follows a previous arrest for DUI that took place on April 27, for which Mizzell was out on bond at the time of his most recent arrest. Mizzell’s legal representation is provided by state Representative Todd Rutherford, a Democrat from Richland County.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has addressed Mizzell’s allegations of mistreatment, rejecting claims that he was beaten during the arrest. They asserted that an internal review, including body camera footage, did not corroborate his statements.
As the case progresses, more details may emerge surrounding Mizzell’s actions during the incident and any potential legal repercussions he may face in the upcoming court appearance.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Richland County Crime Report
- Wikipedia: Richland County, South Carolina
- WIS TV: Richland County Shooting
- Google Search: Richland County Sheriff Department
- WACH: Former Council Member Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anthony Mizzell
- ABC Columbia: Traffic Safety Checkpoints
- Google News: Richland County Latest News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical 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.
