News Summary
Joey Miles Strickland, a 41-year-old from Lexington, SC, was arrested for stalking and attempted kidnapping after he followed a woman from a gas station and attempted to pull her into his car. Strickland has a previous criminal record, and authorities took action to prevent further incidents. The Lexington community is reminded to remain vigilant and support victims of such alarming behavior.
Lexington Man Arrested for Stalking and Attempted Kidnapping Following Gas Station Encounter
In a startling turn of events, a 41-year-old man from Lexington County, South Carolina, identified as Joey Miles Strickland, was taken into custody on January 28, 2025, after a series of disturbing incidents that unfolded over two weeks. The situation escalated from what seemed like a casual meeting at a gas station to a terrifying ordeal for the victim.
A Chance Encounter That Turned Sinister
The drama began on January 14 when the victim, who had never met Strickland before, crossed paths with him at a local gas station. In an unexpected twist, Strickland approached her and inquired if she was married. It seems innocent enough at first, but this was just the beginning of a very troubling relationship.
Following the Victim Home
After leaving the gas station, Strickland made an alarming decision. Instead of parting ways, he inexplicably followed the woman all the way to her home. About ten minutes later, he blocked her in her driveway, creating a hostile situation that would soon escalate even further. In a horrifying confrontation outside her residence, Strickland attempted to pull her into his car. Thankfully, the woman was quick-thinking and fought back, striking Strickland with an unloaded pistol she had on hand.
Presence at the Workplace
As if this were not enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine, on January 22, Strickland made an uninvited appearance at the woman’s workplace. During this visit, he bizarrely told her coworkers that she had “pistol whipped him,” a statement that likely added to the confusion and fear surrounding the entire situation. It’s worth noting that this kind of behavior certainly justified the stalking charges that were later filed against him, as it would cause reasonable fear for any person in the same scenario.
Identifying the Culprit
Investigators worked diligently to identify Strickland, monitoring security footage from the gas station where it all began. Thanks to these efforts, they were able to make an arrest on January 28. Strickland is now facing a slew of serious charges, including first-degree assault and battery, attempted kidnapping, and stalking.
A Troubling History
It seems that Strickland’s past may have played a significant role in this troubling incident. He has a criminal history, having pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and battery just a year ago in January 2023, and was also charged in November 2024 for using a vehicle without permission.
Current Status
Following his arrest, Strickland is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center, with bond denied for all charges against him. Sheriff Jay Koon remarked that Strickland’s actions prompted the stalking charge to protect the community, as it is crucial to ensure that no one else has to endure a similar experience.
A Lesson Learned
The Lexington community can breathe a little easier knowing that law enforcement has acted swiftly to address this alarming situation. It’s a stark reminder for all of us about the importance of staying aware of our surroundings and speaking up if we feel uncomfortable. No one should ever have to face such fear and intimidation.
This incident calls attention to the broader issues of safety and the importance of supporting victims in our communities. Keeping an eye on each other can help ensure that we all stay safe from individuals who might take things too far.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Office
- WLTX – Lexington Man Charged
- The State – Lexington Man Charged
- ABC Columbia – Lexington County Incident
- The State – Recent Crime News
- Wikipedia: Stalking
- Google Search: Assault and Battery Law
- Google Scholar: Kidnapping Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- Google News: Lexington County Crime
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
