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2nd suspect arrested in connection to Augusta Mall shooting in April

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2nd suspect arrested in connection to Augusta Mall shooting in April


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A second suspect has been arrested in connection to a shooting at the Augusta Mall in April.

Kaysean Quashar Nealy, 21, was arrested on Wednesday, according to jail bookings.

Arrest warrants state on April 28, around 1:30 p.m., Nealy assaulted the victim with a deadly weapon by firing at least one bullet from a gun into the victim’s back and right hand.

We previously reported that authorities were still looking for Samoney Tanksley, 26, in relation to the incident. We have reached out to learn if Tanksley is still being sought.

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Days after the shooting, deputies announced the arrest of Tybrea Elester Nicole Nelson, 24, of Martinez, on two counts of aggravated assault for her role in the shooting.

Tybrea Nelson(Contributed)

She’s not accused of being the shooter but of being present during the shooting and driving the getaway vehicle.

Arrest warrants also accuse Nealy of assaulting another victim by firing at least one bullet from the gun towards the area of the victim.

The victim did not have any visible injuries, according to the warrants.

Nealy is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime.

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Records show Nealy is being held in the Richmond County Detention Center.

On the possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime charge, bond was set at $5,700, according to jail bookings. For the two counts of aggravated assault, bond was not set.

“It was surreal. The whole thing’s surreal,” said Oscar Maldonado, who was at the mall when the drama erupted. “It’s kind of like when you see that happen in a movie – it kind of felt like what you see in a movie.”

A report of gunfire shut down Augusta Mall on April 28, 2024.
A report of gunfire shut down Augusta Mall on April 28, 2024.(WRDW)

This incident comes amid an outbreak of violent crime that’s claimed more than 150 lives across the CSRA in two years. It’s affected communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest city in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.

Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs, and many of the victims as well as the suspects have been young men.

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Augusta, GA

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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“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

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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.

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“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.

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



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