Augusta, GA
One suspect on the run after armed robbery at Augusta Family Dollar
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
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…
Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.
Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.
Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.
Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.
Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Fire Department holds hurricane season preparedness event
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department held a community event Saturday to help residents prepare for hurricane season and stay safe during emergencies.
The department met with residents at the Augusta-Richmond County Library, where they distributed community resources.
Lt. Stephanie Allen, public education specialist with the Augusta Fire Department, spoke about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
“Do a home escape plan, walk around your house, make sure your smoke detectors are working,” Allen said. “I tell people, simple as going online or go to Walmart and buy an extinguisher — right, little things like that will help. Keep an extinguisher in your car. Little things like that can help save your life, save your property.”
The department also demonstrated how to use a fire extinguisher, discussed how to create a go-kit for emergencies and explained how to use an automated external defibrillator.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
CSRA Death Cafe holds gathering at Augusta church
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The CSRA Death Cafe hosted a gathering Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta on Walton Way.
Death Cafes began as a way to increase awareness about death and encourage people to make the most of their lives. Since 2011, more than 24,000 Death Cafes have been held in 97 countries.
Brenda Ferguson, an attendee at the CSRA Death Cafe, spoke about how people approach death differently.
“I think death is different for everyone, you know, but accepting people where they are and helping them through wherever they are,” Ferguson said. “And if we need to get them to understand some things, but I can never say your way is wrong, because it’s different for everyone.”
Abigail Danns, also an attendee, said many people avoid the topic altogether.
“From my experience, a lot of us kind of live in denial,” Danns said. “No one wants to plan the funeral. That’ll jinx it. No one wants to just kind of tiptoe around the topic when really we all have to do it. So we might as well kind of just explore those thoughts, have the conversations, and better yet, get prepared.”
Organizers said they will host another Death Cafe on Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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