AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has taken a suspect into custody after an armed robbery, and shots were fired at a Family Dollar on Broad Street.

Another suspect is still on the run, according to the sheriff’s office.

At approximately 8:48 p.m. Sunday, two unknown black males entered the Family Dollar located at 1991 Broad Street and committed an armed robbery, officials say.

After the robbery, both suspects ran toward Curry Street, and a witness tried to stop them with a vehicle, according to authorities.

At that time, one of the suspects fired once at the witness before the firearm appeared to malfunction, the sheriff’s office says. Both suspects continued running behind the business.

Deputies quickly established a perimeter and began searching the area.

Officials said at approximately 9:30 p.m., they located, identified, and took one suspect into custody for questioning.

This remains an open and active investigation, according to the sheriff’s office, and there is no other information right now.

“In 2024, year-to-date armed robberies of businesses were at 26. This year, year-to-date, they are at 17, which represents a 35 percent decrease,” DDACTS, Data Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety work well.” said Chief Lewis Blanchard.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the sheriff’s office developed plans using their intel division to reduce crime for this year and going forward.

”This allows us to deploy team members in specific areas based on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day to both deter crime and apprehend criminals in the act. Repeatedly, these strategies are paying off, and I am extremely proud of all of our team members who are working diligently to reduce crime and violence in Augusta-Richmond County,” Brantley said.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, GA – Augusta women’s basketball will close out 2025 at home on Tuesday, Dec. 31, when the Jaguars welcome Converse to Christenberry Fieldhouse for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff. To celebrate the final game of the calendar year, admission is completely free for all fans.

The matchup is designated as Community Day, inviting families, local supporters, and first-time visitors to enjoy Jaguar basketball together as the team wraps up non-conference play and prepares for the push into the Peach Belt schedule.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, bring the energy, and help pack Christenberry Fieldhouse as Augusta looks to finish the year strong.

Game Information

Women’s Basketball: Augusta vs Converse

Tuesday, Dec. 31 – 1:00 p.m.

Christenberry Fieldhouse – Augusta, Ga.

Free Admission

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In a year marked by construction, tariffs, government shutdown threats and economic uncertainty, the holiday season provided small businesses in Aiken and Augusta with a chance to turn a hefty profit.

Business owners across the region reported strong foot traffic and sales during the critical November and December period, which helps sustain them through slower months.

Pete Swales of High Country Olive Oil on Laurens Street said Aiken’s tourism appeal brings steady customers during the holidays.

“Aiken has a lot of folks coming in and visiting and traveling and a lot of tourism. And so we get a lot of folks just walking by,” Swales said.

The holiday season represents a crucial revenue period for his business.

“Our business becomes incredibly busy in that November and December time frame. It’s probably 1/3 of the year is done inside of that month and a half,” Swales said.

Across the street at The Little Red Fox Shop, Charles Lowe reported similar holiday traffic patterns.

“Tons, tons. We get… We don’t get a lot of foot traffic all year, but we get a lot this time of year,” Lowe said.

The shop, which features items from local artists, serves as a popular destination for gift shopping.

“It’s like really from mid-November to December, we stay swamped. It’s good because, you know, that’s where you make, like, we can get through like January and February are really slow,” Lowe said.

Pink Icing Boutique opened downtown at the beginning of the holiday season and immediately saw strong customer traffic.

“This is a little over a month since we’ve been here, and I’ve seen a tremendous amount of foot traffic before and after the holidays,” said Benicia Bush of Pink Icing Boutique.

In downtown Augusta, businesses also reported sustained activity extending beyond Christmas.

Shama S. Cartwright of Rebel Lion Den said the holiday season continues to bring customers downtown.

“After Christmas, they have Kwanzaa. So it’s still a pickup, because we’re still celebrating the holiday season, so people come through from the time, say Christmas Eve, on to like now, people are coming downtown,” Cartwright said.

Business owners said warm weather during the holiday season provided an additional boost, encouraging more people to walk around downtown areas and shop for gifts.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.