Augusta, GA
SWAT team responds to 2 calls in less than 3 hours
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded to two separate calls in less than three hours on Tuesday.
Hay Meadow Drive
Along with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT BearCat Unit, Richmond County’s SWAT team responded to the 800 block of Hay Meadow Drive in Sims Place Neighborhood at 10:40 p.m.
Deputies say the call originally came in as a domestic incident involving a firearm.
A woman involved was able to escape the residence and leave the area safely, according to deputies.
Officials say the male suspect barricaded himself inside the home with multiple firearms, refused to exit and made threats toward law enforcement officers.
Nearby residences were cleared and residents were asked to temporarily shelter elsewhere for safety reasons.
All entrances to the area were blocked to vehicle and pedestrian traffic until 12:15 a.m. Wednesday
Officials say a trained negotiator communicated with the suspect and remained on the phone with him for one hour.
Deputies say a gunshot was then heard from inside the residence. The SWAT team made entry into the home, where the suspect was located and observed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office says Rafael Moreno, 35, was taken to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead at 2:09 a.m.
An autopsy has been scheduled.
The area was reopened around 12:32 a.m. Wednesday morning. The scene was completely cleared at 4:01 a.m.
Fox Hall Circle
A man accused of threatening to kill deputies was taken into custody after firing shots into the air during a standoff Tuesday night, authorities said.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies responded about 9 p.m. to reports of shots fired in the 2900 block of Fox Hall Circle.
When deputies arrived, the man came outside the home and allegedly fired multiple rounds into the air, officials said.
According to the agency, during initial phone contact, he threatened to kill deputies.
The RCSO SWAT team was activated and assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) SWAT BearCat armored vehicle team.
“This marks the third SWAT call out in the past week, and each incident has ended peacefully due to the specialized training and equipment that our teams have worked hard to put in place. The immediate response by our deputies and the cooperation from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, supported by our mutual aid agreements, have been essential in ensuring safe outcomes. We are very grateful for the strong partnership between our agencies and the commitment of every deputy involved,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.
A drone team provided aerial overwatch while deputies notified nearby residents and advised them to seek shelter or stay in place, authorities said.
After a standoff and with assistance from a neighbor who communicated with an RCSO negotiator, the man exited the home unarmed and was taken into custody, officials said.
Deputies secured the home to ensure no other individuals were inside.
Investigators are obtaining warrants after observing a large number of weapons in plain view, authorities said.
The man was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
The scene was cleared around 10:30 p.m.
The sheriff’s office says more information will be provided regarding charges when available.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
TikToker cleans father’s hoarded house – and goes viral
Madison Lovelle posts videos online while going through and cleaning her childhood home after her father died.
Housing costs are often the biggest Georgians deal with every month, so it’s important to try and save money where possible.
Last week, WalletHub released its ranking of the most affordable cities to buy a home. It analyzed 300 cities based on 10 metrics, with the biggest weight going to housing affordability and cost per square foot.
Best city to buy a home in Georgia?
Augusta ranked the highest among Georgia cities, ranking 8th overall and 3rd best in the midsized cities list.
Augusta real estate prices
According to Zillow, as of March, the median list price for a house in Georgia is $205,000 with a median sale price of $187,283. About 57% of sales are under the list price.
The average rent, as of April, is $1,365 per month.
Augusta cost of living
The MIT Living Wage Calculator reports the hourly pay needed to support yourself and/or your family, assuming full-time employment. For Richmond County (Augusta), it’s $20.31 for one adult, $28.16 for a two-adult household with one working, and $14.08 for a two-adult household with both working.
Children obviously increase the wage needed. Depending on how many adults are working, the necessary pay figures may increase by up to $13 for just one child, with more needed for additional children.
Worst city to buy a home in Georgia?
The Georgia city with the lowest ranking on the list overall was Sandy Springs. However, with 300 cities, landing at No. 151 doesn’t make it nearly the worst in the nation. Sandy Springs was No. 56 on the small cities list.
What are the best cities to buy a home in US?
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Surprise, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Cleveland, OH
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Senate candidate Derek Dooley made several visits to the area on Friday.
Dooley had stops in both Lincolnton and Augusta on May 29 and was joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his “Georgia First” tour. He spoke about one of the issues he finds in politics.
“But the other piece of it is the corruption. People sit on these committees. They have access to information that none of us have. And then you look up 2 or 3 years down the road and their wealth is just skyrocketing,” Dooley said. “You’re outperforming every investor out there. And I think it’s shameful. I think it erodes trust. It’s something that I will never do.”
“Politicians were out there getting paid. They were coming back home. They’re raising money and campaigning while the government shut down,” Kemp said. “What Derek’s saying, if he’s up there, we’re not going to allow legislators to get paid. We’re going to take away their benefits. That way, you won’t ever have another shutdown again.”
Dooley is facing Congressman Mike Collins in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.
The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.
According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.
The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.
Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.
Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
World10 minutes agoBox Office: ‘Backrooms’ Scares Up $38 Million on Friday, Already Shattering Record for A24’s Best Opening Weekend
-
News14 minutes agoIn a Quiet Corner of America, Greyhound Racing Hangs On. For Now.
-
Lifestyle52 minutes ago‘Wait Wait’ for May 30, 2026: Our Endless Summer with Tiffany Haddish, Lucy Dacus, and more!
-
Education55 minutes agoVideo: Can California Convince Teens to Work in Construction?
-
Technology1 hour agoBackrooms is a certified blockbuster with a $38 million opening day
-
World1 hour agoHamas struggles to fill leadership ranks as Israel hunts Oct 7 terrorists
-
Politics1 hour agoAnti-ICE agitator charged with allegedly biting officers during Delaney Hall clashes
-
Health1 hour agoWhat to do if someone is having a stroke, after Jill Biden revealed debate-night fears
