Corporal James Ouzts is to be commended for his actions based on his part in the apprehension of two murder suspects.

  On April 12, 2016 Corporal James Ouzts was working special duty at the S Bar at 1505 North Leg Rd.  At approximately 0130 hours, Corporal Ouzts heard a gunshot come from the area of Idlewild Dr. and then drove toward the sound searching for any signs.  Corporal Ouzts observed a white Ford Taurus with a GA paper tag, occupied by two black males turning onto North Leg road with the headlights turned off. Corporal Ouzts initiated a traffic stop making contact with the driver and passenger. Corporal Ouzts explained to the driver that he heard a gunshot come from the area where the driver was just seen, and the driver gave Corporal Ouzts permission to search his person and the vehicle. As Corporal Ouzts had the driver exit the vehicle, the driver stated that there was a pistol in the vehicle. Corporal Ouzts recovered a black Ruger .357 magnum revolver with five live rounds and one spent casing that was located between the driver’s seat and the center console.  As Corporal Ouzts was securing the weapon and the driver in his car, dispatch put out a call for shots fired, one down on Idlewild Dr. Both subjects and the weapon were turned over to CID and the subjects were also charged with the murder of the victim on Idlewild Dr.  Corporal Ouzts took the initiative to respond to an incident that was beyond the scope of his special, and was able to catch two murder suspects before the incident was ever reported.

Corporal James Ouzts is a credit to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Augusta Richmond County.