ABBEVILLE | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
On December 16, at approximately 9:38 a.m., Abbeville Police officers responded to a call for service at a residence located at 214 Columbia Road.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with a male suspect who attempted to flee the residence while wearing a ski mask. The suspect was unable to elude law enforcement and ran back inside the home. Additional assistance was requested, prompting members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Investigative Divisions, along with the Henry County SWAT Team, to respond to the scene.
A search warrant was obtained for the residence, and law enforcement narrowed the suspect’s location to the attic. After repeated commands for the individual to surrender were ignored, a police K-9 was deployed into the attic. The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as George Miller Jr., 42, of Abbeville. Investigators confirmed Miller had multiple outstanding warrants in Henry County. His charges include:
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Three counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, Third Degree (total bond: $18,000)
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Five counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card (total bond: $30,000)
In addition, Miller has holds with Community Corrections, pending violations related to SORNA laws, and additional charges from Abbeville Police for Attempting to Elude and Felony Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement.
Miller is currently being held in the Henry County Jail without bond.
Eric Blankenship, Henry County Sheriff, praised the coordinated response from all agencies involved.
“I would like to commend all the law enforcement officers on scene for working together to make a successful arrest without anyone getting hurt,” Blankenship said. “This incident was a true example of how effective we can be when we work as a team.”
The sheriff also addressed concerns from parents after Abbeville Elementary School was placed on lockdown due to the incident’s close proximity to the campus.
“I know finding out the school is on lockdown can be stressful, but the safety of our children and school faculty will always be our priority,” Blankenship said.
Additionally, Sheriff Blankenship stated he has requested the District Attorney’s Office file a motion to revoke Miller’s bond.
“There is no reason repeat offenders should continue to victimize our citizens,” he said. “When individuals repeatedly commit crimes, it’s time they go to prison.”
No injuries were reported during the incident.
