Augusta, GA

34-year-old dies days after shooting on Madrid Drive in Augusta

Published

9 months ago

May 31, 2025

34-year-old dies days after shooting on Madrid Drive in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One man has died and another is in jail after a shooting nearly a week ago in Augusta.

Brandon Johnson, 34, was shot at least once in his home in the 3600 block of Madrid Drive on Sunday and taken to Doctors Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Friday.

Another resident of the home, Mark Johnson, 30, has been arrested and charged in the shooting, which happened around 7 a.m. Sunday.

After the shooting was reported Sunday morning, deputies say they found Mark Johnson in the backyard of the home as he was leaving the house.

Deputies found the victim with a gunshot wound in the hallway of the home.

Deputies say a witness was kneeling over the victim and holding a towel on the victim’s chest.

The witness told deputies Mark Johnson shot the victim in the chest due to an argument, according to an incident report.

The witness told deputies the victim was intoxicated and had been turning multiple switches on and off in the home. Mark Johnson became upset and confronted the victim while he was in the hallway, according to deputies’ report.

The witness stated she was sitting in the living room when she heard a loud noise and saw the victim fall to the floor, deputies say.

Mark Johnson was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime, according to jail reports.

The charges had not been upgraded as of early Saturday.

An autopsy has been scheduled for the victim.

Despite the victim and suspect having the same last name, deputies classified the incident as “aggravated assault-nonfamily.”

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

7 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.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

19 hours 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.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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