Augusta, GA

Former Ga. deputy arrested over statements about struggle

Published

1 year ago

January 22, 2025

Former Ga. deputy arrested over statements about struggle

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Bureau Investigation said it arrested a former north Georgia deputy who was shot during a struggle with a suspect over a gun for allegedly making false statements about the incident.

The GBI said it arrested Austin Bradburn, 26, of Blairsville, on charges of false report of a crime and violation of oath of office in relation to the shooting, which happened during a traffic stop in Young Harris on Dec. 13.

The GBI said at the time that Bradburn, then a Towns County sheriff’s deputy, pulled over a silver Honda sedan without a tag on Plottown Road.

The driver of the Honda stopped, then immediately got out of the car and approached Bradburn, the GBI said shortly after the incident. The agency said the driver “did not obey the deputy’s commands, and the deputy attempted to tase the man,” but “the attempt was unsuccessful.”

Bradburn and the man then began fighting over Bradburn’s gun, and Bradburn was shot during the struggle, the GBI said at the time.

The agency said the suspect then drove away, but “did not take the deputy’s gun.”

Bradburn was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The GBI described the suspect as a white man standing about 6 feet tall and weighing between 170 and 180 pounds. He was wearing a black beanie, a gray hoodie and black athletic pants. Authorities haven’t identified the man, who is still on the run.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation, which is standard in shootings involving law enforcement officers. The GBI said its investigation “revealed information to support the charges against Bradburn,” but did not elaborate.

The agency said Bradburn was also charged with multiple counts of false statements and violation of oath of office in Union and Hall counties.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Towns County 911.

You can also submit a tip to the GBI by calling 800-597-TIPS (8477), submitting an online report or downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

8 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

20 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

Source link