AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As a heat wave settles over Augusta, the Psi Omega Foundation is working with Richmond County Marshal’s Office to deliver fans as a part of their annual fan drive.

Eugene White, president of the Psi Omega Foundation, said his personal connection to the community drives the effort.

“I’m the son of someone. I’m the grandson of someone,” White said. “And so when we think about our elders who may have struggled, that really drives home our desire to build a tenacious community.”

Fans available, no questions asked

White spent the day delivering fans across Augusta. Around 140 fans were available for donation.

Lt. Monica Meyers of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office said this year’s conditions have been more severe than previous summers.

“This year I noticed that the humidity has been higher, the heat index has been higher,” Meyers said. “And with that said, we know that research shows us that the elderly and seniors are less likely to run their AC during the summer months because they’re trying to save their budgets, because they are on fixed budgets and low income.”

Doctors say anyone can be at risk for heat-related illness when the heat index reaches the 90s or above.

How to get a fan

The Marshal’s Office said fans are available to anyone, no questions asked. Meyers said residents can call the Richmond County Marshal’s Office at 706-821-2368 or visit the substation at 3050 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

WASHINGTON – The Metropolitan Police Department released new body camera footage on Friday of an officer firing his gun at an armed carjacking suspect last month.

The backstory:

The carjacking happened early in the morning of June 24.

According to MPD, two suspects held a man at gunpoint in the 700 block of 19th Street in Northeast Washington before taking his keys and driving off.

After the carjacking, officers searched the city for the suspects, before finding the car on Valley Avenue in Southeast. Officers tried to pull the car over, but the driver took off, before bailing at 2nd and Xenia Streets. 

What we know:

The body camera footage released Friday picks up during officers’ search for the suspects. 

In the short clip, the officer can be heard shouting out the window of his patrol car before firing out the window.

According to MPD, the officer was driving on Livingston Road SE when he saw one of the suspects. The officer asked the suspect to show their hands, but instead, MPD said the suspect pointed a rifle at the officer. That’s when the officer fired, and the suspect ran off into the woods.

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What’s next:

That suspect is still on the run, according to MPD. A second suspect was arrested the night of the carjacking. The 13-year-old has been charged with armed carjacking, reckless driving, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer.

The United States Attorney’s Office for DC and MPD’s Internal Affairs Division Force Investigation Team will both review the shooting.

AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin is preparing for its “Star-Spangled Fest” Fourth of July celebration.

The backstory:

Friday morning, crews were setting up at Auditorium Shores.

The morning portion on Saturday will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon portion will start at 4:30 p.m. and will go until 10 p.m.

There will be music, food, drinks, and plenty of activities for all ages.

It’s a free event. The city estimates past celebrations have drawn about 70,000 people.

“It’s in its 49th year so we know it’s important to the city. We know it is important to bring all different Austinites together,” Teri Smart, producer of the Star-Spangled Fest, said.

The grand finale will include a drone show and fireworks show, with 2,500 blasts going off.

“The symphony will be playing, there will be a drone show celebrating the last 250 years of travel evolution, so a little different spin on the 250th for America. And then the fireworks will go off, so it’s just going to be one thing after the other,” Smart said.

DPS Statewide Enforcement

If you’re hitting the road this weekend, you may see more state troopers on the highways. Texas DPS is cracking down on speeding, DWIs, and distracted driving. 

DPS expects more people on the roads for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, plus World Cup events in Dallas and Houston.

“We know there’s going to be increased traffic, so we’re going to increase our presence on the highways and make sure everybody’s safe, and we can get everybody home safely,” Sgt. Billy Ray with Texas DPS said.

During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement campaign, DPS issued more than 64,241 citations and warnings, including 5,042 for speeding; 1,632 for no insurance; and more than 398 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 277 people on DWI charges and 281 people for other felony charges.

Make sure your car is working well before you hit the road. Plan your route, and don’t drive distracted. If you see someone who might be intoxicated on the road, call law enforcement. 

Boating safety

If you’re going to be out on the water, be mindful of your safety as well. 

FOX 7 caught up with some boaters getting an early start to celebrating the Fourth of July at the Loop 360 boat ramp.

“It’s just like driving. Be defensive. You know, watch out for all the other people because there’s some crazy a** people out there, sorry, there’s some crazy people out there,” Darwin German said. 

“Please don’t drink and drive. Please be safe out there. Look out for others too, and not only for others, but for yourself as well, be safe,” Manuela Atilano said.