Seneca Man arrested on Multiple Charges

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Seneca man on multiple charges on Tuesday, June 19, including a charge of drug trafficking. Booked into the Oconee County Detention Center was 40-year-old Millard Jerome Strickland, Jr. A deputy observed Strickland riding a moped on Highway 123 headed towards Seneca. A check with dispatch showed that Strickland had active warrants. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Strickland; however, Strickland did not stop initially but made his way to the parking lot of a business on Wells Highway at Shiloh Road near Seneca. After the deputy told Strickland to get off the moped, Strickland began driving again and turned right onto Shiloh Road. The deputy then followed Strickland into the Utica Mill Hill area, where other deputies responded in order to end the pursuit as Strickland ran through stop signs at various intersections. The pursuit eventually ended near the intersection of Padgett Street and Hope Avenue as Strickland attempted to flee, however, Strickland was taken into custody but did try to avoid being placed in handcuffs. A search of Strickland’s person produced a handgun that was reported stolen and another firearm was found on the moped. A kitten was located inside the trunk of the moped, which was turned over to Animal Control. Strickland did have a bag around his neck that the officer observed during the pursuit that was lying next to the moped. A quantity of narcotics was discovered in the bag and was turned over to an agent from the Narcotics Division. Strickland was checked out by paramedics on the scene and was not transported, however as a precaution, deputies transported Strickland to the hospital. After being treated and released, Strickland was transported to the Oconee County Detention Center. At the detention center, Strickland was served with three General Sessions Bench Warrants and one Magistrates Bench Warrant. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants charging him with one count each of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, failure to stop for a blue light, receiving stolen goods, unlawful carrying of a pistol and resisting arrest plus two counts each of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.