Augusta, GA

Augusta is spared from becoming the site of another mass shooting

Published

2 months ago

June 9, 2024

Augusta is spared from becoming the site of another mass shooting

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said Saturday morning’s shooting in downtown Augusta could have easily become a mass shooting.

Luckily, it wasn’t, something he credits to quick action from some nearby deputies.

Gunfire erupted around 1:15 a.m. at 10th and Broad streets when two gunmen fired at each other on a crowded sidewalk, Roundtree said at a Saturday afternoon news conference.

DOWNTOWN SHOOTING: TEAM COVERAGE

At one point, at least one of the gunmen opened fire on the crowd, Roundtree said.

Two people were injured, plus the gunman, who was shot by nearby deputies.

It could have easily been a mass shooting, Roundtree said at a news conference Saturday afternoon.

He’s thankful it wasn’t.

Mass shootings are on the rise in the U.S., and Augusta hasn’t been spared from the trend.

A mass shooting in May 2023 killed two people and injured others at an Augusta motorcycle club on East Boundary. Investigators found 150 shell casings at that scene after what authorities say was a dispute between motorcycle groups.

Local authorities have trained for mass shooting incidents. Just Wednesday, they held a symposium on how to deal with emergencies and mass casualty incidents like what Saturday’s shooting could have become.

CNN reported that last year, the country saw 655 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and 2021 saw an even higher number: 689.

Between 2019 and 2020, the overall gun homicide rate rose about 35%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CNN reported that the archive shows mass shootings especially increased after May 2020, following the trend of an overall rise in gun violence during the pandemic.

MASS SHOOTINGS SO FAR THIS YEAR IN THE U.S.:

In the CSRA, that problem has lingered, with more than 150 lives lost in an outbreak of deadly violence in a little over two years.

The outbreak has 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.

Roundtree called the May 2023 mass shooting incident “a lesson learned.”

“To bring this type of violence to our city, to add us to a national mass shooting list, is unconscionable. This is something we will not tolerate here in Richmond County,” Roundtree said after that shooting.

Team coverage by News 12 staff members including Audrey Dickherber, Hallie Turner, Jada Walker, Sydney Hood, Will Rioux, Nick Proto, Zayna Haliburton, Ashley Campbell, Estelle Parsley, Aaron Wilson, Mikel Hannah-Harding, Gary Pikula, Steve Byerly and Lois White.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta program provides resources to parents, students

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

Augusta program provides resources to parents, students

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are less than 10 days away from another school year in Richmond and Columbia counties, and parents getting prepared.

But it can be hard on your wallet.

On Friday, “Living in Purpose” helped with more than just school supplies.

Hundreds of families had a good time while stocking up on school supplies over at the purpose center. Organizers say they went through all 100 of their backpacks within an hour.

But many families and incoming students say Friday today was more than just a handout.

Families took advantage of free backpacks, haircuts and shoe raffles ahead of the new school year.

Event leaders say Friday really shows the growing need for families when it comes to school supplies.

“I mean, the way that it’s looking right now, I probably needed 200 book bags. The goal is for us to target the kids’ right hand to direct the community. But we have kids coming from all over the community because there is such a great need,” said Kamilah Freeman, executive administrator for “Living in Purpose”.

Organizers say it’s really about the resources they’re trying to bring to the at-risk youth in the community.

“We are targeting youth to prevent them from going through things in life teaching them about integrity, purpose character, helping them to know that they have a purpose in life and to be all that they can be,” said Freeman.

School supplies needed at Murphy-Harpst Evolve Initiative

Along with free supplies, they’re offering mentorship and after-school programs to families for their kids to get involved in.

Joshua Hawthorne says he’s a product of that, and it’s motivating him to reach for places he never dreamed of before.

“I got between sort of three choices right now that I want to go to. Kelsey, JSU or Talladega,” he said.

It’s a community effort to remind the next generation what they’re capable of.

Freeman said: “It is so rewarding to me because I see them when they come in and I see them as they’re progressing. I see their heads going from down to being lifted up I see their chest coming up. I see smiles on their face and they are gaining hope and I love it”

With the start of the new school year for Richmond County, “Living in Purpose” will resume its after-school programs for kids to get assistance with homework and other essential needs.

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Augusta, GA

Cold case solved: Suspect arrested in 2019 Augusta slaying

Published

9 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Cold case solved: Suspect arrested in 2019 Augusta slaying

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a 2019 murder.

On Dec. 30, 2019, at 4:47 am., the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2106 Bayvale Road to investigate the murder of Dwayne Lane, 52.

The case had remained in a cold case status until Friday.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division was able to find and interview original witnesses as well as new witnesses.

As a result, investigators were able to arrest Willie Ferrell, 42, in connection with the killing.

Ferrell was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

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Augusta, GA

Complete this survey to create a more climate resilient Augusta

Published

16 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Complete this survey to create a more climate resilient Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The University of Georgia is seeking the public’s help in creating more climate resilience in Augusta.

The project aims to address the impacts of climate change in vulnerable and underserved communities in Georgia.

The team consists of a group of climate scientists from UGA, who are partnering with the Georgia Climate Project (GCP), Greater Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition (GAIC) and Black Voters Matter (BVM).

“We noticed there is a lot of resilience work going on around Atlanta and the coast, but there is this big swath in the middle of Georgia that is not getting a lot of attention,” said Dr. Patricia Yager. “A lot of folks are being impacted but not getting resources. So, UGA and the Georgia Climate Project asked around to see who was interested and we got a lot of enthusiasm from the Augusta community. This is hoping to be a model effort for other communities across the state.”

The team will help provide climate risk information to underserved communities in Augusta.

The project will also offer guidance and resources for making good decisions to respond to extreme weather.

Resilient solutions include:

Designing infrastructure to direct water to planted areas can reduce flooding.
Electric public transportation can reduce emissions that worsen air quality.
Increasing green spaces in the city, like installing green roofs, can reduce urban heat.

The project team says their goal is to “listen to Augusta residents, interpret Augusta-specific climate science data and identify solutions to help Augusta residents cope with extreme weather.”

To complete the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7PTfE8WIx1O-NRBrCjn2ujh_KhmW66_Rhn7dEg9FuOEggNQ/viewform.

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