Man sought after car accident victim dies

AUGUSTA, Ga. - A man involved in a police chase last month that ended in a car accident is now wanted after one of the accident victims died from his injuries.

Richmond County investigators tell NBC Augusta 26 News that James Richard Brantley fled Columbia County deputies during an attempted traffic stop on Feb. 11. Deputies pursued Brantley into Richmond County.

As Brantley drove down Wrightsboro Road and approached the Heard Avenue intersection, investigators say he deliberately ran a red light, striking a vehicle driven by Kenneth Beard. Beard's elderly parents were also inside the vehicle.

Investigators say Brantley fled on foot after the accident, but was captured shortly after.

Beard and his parents were injured in the crash, but his parents were injured more severely. Beard's father died March 6 from the injuries. He'd been in the hospital since the accident.

Brantley originally received several traffic charges from the incident, and later charged with three counts of aggravated assault due to the accident. One of those charges has now been upgraded to first degree Vehicular Homicide.

If you know of Brantley's whereabouts, please contact the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

Brantley is also wanted on charges of Burglary in Edgefield County and Felony Forgery in Richmond County.