AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a disturbing turn of events, a 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a stalking incident at Diamond Lakes Regional Park. The arrest follows an outpouring of social media reports and a growing community concern about a man allegedly following women at an uncomfortable distance.
Tyrone Bernard Gaynor Jr., from Augusta, was taken into custody on Wednesday after the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation based on a viral Facebook post. The post, which included a photo of Gaynor, led the Sheriff’s Office to increase patrols in the area.
According to deputies, the incident began when a woman posted about being followed by Gaynor on social media. The woman, who had taken the photo, later confirmed to investigators that the encounter took place on Sunday, at approximately 2 p.m. Deputies, having received additional reports about the stalking behavior, tracked Gaynor down on the Diamond Lakes walking track around 12:53 p.m. on Wednesday.
After further investigation, Gaynor was charged with misdemeanor stalking. Authorities urge anyone else who may have been harassed or followed by Gaynor, or who has additional video footage or information, to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
This arrest comes amid increasing concerns about safety at public spaces, and the sheriff’s office is emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in ensuring justice and preventing similar incidents in the future.
