Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of Anthony “Tony” Mizzell (DOB: 6/11/71), a former Richland County Council member.
On June 29, 2025, just after 8:00 pm, a Richland County deputy observed a black Cadillac in the area of Bluff and Atlas Road, traveling well above the posted speed limit of 45 MPH. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, stopping on Atlas Road. During the traffic stop, the driver, Mizzell, was noncompliant with deputies and fled from the stop, after telling deputies his daughter was having a medical episode.
Mizzell led deputies on a brief pursuit, disregarding traffic control devices and using the wrong lane of travel. Mizzell ultimately came to a stop at a residence on the 100 block of Wembley Street.
Based on the information provided by Mizzell, Richland County deputies made contact at the residence to conduct a welfare check. Deputies made contact with the homeowner, who informed deputies that there was no medical emergency; however, she had text messages and an audio recording of Mizzell threatening to harm her and others, and she appeared visibly scared of the suspect. Two weapons were found in the vehicle.
Mizzell was placed under arrest. At that time, Mizzell became combative and behaved erratically, threatening the life of a deputy on scene and complaining of seizures. EMS was called to the scene to check him out and cleared him. Mizzell continued to act out and refused to follow instructions, complaining of abdominal pain; he was transported to the hospital, and several hours later, he was released and taken to the ASGDC.
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. Mizzell was booked at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and has since been released on surety bonds.