‘Boogaloo’ Agitators of Columbia Riot Arrested

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced on June 4, 2020, the arrest of the man wearing the blue floral shirt that he sought to identify earlier in the week.

Joshua Barnard — 24 — was arrested on charges of breaking into a motor vehicle, looting, larceny, aggravated breach of peace and instigating a riot for his actions during the protest on Saturday, May 30.

Also, he was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute a schedule I substance. He was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on June 4, 2020.

On June 12, Sheriff Lott announced Barnard had been arrested for a second time in as many weeks. This time, Barnard was charged with 11 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was booked into the jail the same day.

Meanwhile, on June 5, the Richland County Sheriff’s Fugitive Task Force arrested 22-year-old Kevin Ackley without incident in Lexington. He is facing charges of inciting a riot and aggravated breach of peace.

Ackley helped incite a riot, when he threw a water bottle at law enforcement officers. Ackley — a medic who worked for Richland County Emergency Services — was terminated from the agency the same day of his arrest.

“It’s disgusting that a man who is supposed to be protecting the lives of citizens and law enforcement officers alike would participate in a riot that injured people,” said Sheriff Lott. “He is now where he needs to be — in jail. And he’ll be held accountable for what he’s done.”

Sheriff Lott would like to thank the public for helping identify Ackley and Barnard. Additional arrests will be forthcoming.

“A week ago, those arrested thought they could come to Columbia and destroy it,” Sheriff Lott added. “They thought they could hide behind a peaceful protest. But they’re quickly finding out they were dead wrong.”