RCSD: Former county council member arrested

Sheriff Leon Lott says a former Richland County Council member has been arrested in connection with domestic violence, and reckless driving. (Photo: Richland County Sheriff’s Department)

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Sheriff Leon Lott says a former Richland County Council member has been arrested in connection with domestic violence, and reckless driving.

On Sunday, June 29, just after 8 p.m., a Richland County deputy observed a black Cadillac in the area of Bluff and Atlas Road, traveling above the posted speed limit of 45 MPH, says RCSD.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, stopping on Atlas Road.

During the traffic stop, the driver, who was identified as Anthony “Tony” Mizzell was noncompliant with deputies and fled from the stop, after telling deputies his daughter was having a medical episode, according to RCSD.

Mizzell led deputies on a brief pursuit while disregarding traffic control devices and using the wrong lane of travel.

He ultimately came to a stop at a home in the 100 block of Wembley Street.

Based on the information provided by Mizzell, Richland County deputies made contact at the home to conduct a welfare check.

Deputies were able to get in contact with the homeowner, who informed them that there was no medical emergency.

However she had text messages and audio recording of Mizzell threatening to harm her and others and appeared visibly scared of the suspect.

Law enforcement say there were two weapons were found in the vehicle.

Mizzell was placed under arrest.

At the time of his arrest, he became combative and behaved erratically, threatening the life of a deputy on scene and complained of seizures.

He was cleared at the scene after EMS was called to check him out.

RCSD deputies say Mizzell continued to act out and refused to follow instructions, and also complained of abdominal pain.

He was taken to the hospital and released several hours later before being taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Mizzell is charged with failure to stop for blue lights and siren, reckless driving, domestic violence 3rd degree, and threatening the life of a public official.

He has  been released from the detention center on surety bonds.