AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Businesses downtown are reflecting on the past and setting new goals as the new year has arrived.

2025 was a busy year for many businesses on Broad Street, as they had to contend with construction, as well as a new sheriff seeking to make the streets safer.

Art on Broad spoke about what they’re looking forward to this year.

“We are just looking forward to putting all of the madness of the holidays behind us and continuing to see our everyday regular patrons, and then the new customers that come in, because they’re here for a convention or maybe they’re passing through on a road trip. And I feel confident that we’ll continue to see good business throughout the year,” said Catherine Alexander, business manager for Art on Broad.

Coming up at News 12 at 11 p.m., we’ll talk to more businesses about what they are looking forward to in the new year, as well as what worked for them in 2025.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 28-year-old man wanted in connection to two separate shootings this month has been arrested.

One of the shootings occurred on Dec. 26 and the other on Dec. 4, officials say.

The suspect, identified as Dennis Berrien, was already wanted for aggravated assault in connection with the shooting on Dec. 4 and is now also charged in the Dec. 26 incident, after which he was arrested.

On Dec. 4, deputies received reports that Berrien had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the altercation, Berrien reportedly fired at least three shots in her direction before fleeing the scene. He left behind a damaged vehicle belonging to his girlfriend’s grandmother, deputies say.

On Dec. 26, investigators determined Berrien shot another person, critically injuring him, near the 2300 block of Winston Way, according to authorities.

Deputies and investigators say they quickly established a perimeter and began the initial investigation. Witnesses described the suspect, and with the help of K9 units, drones and surveillance cameras of nearby businesses, they were able to track Berrien.

Deputies located Berrien at the AM PM gas station as he exited the restroom, wearing clothing consistent with the witness description.

During the encounter, Berrien provided a false name and date of birth to an investigator, after which a corporal used a fingerprint scanner, which confirmed Berrien’s true identity, officials say. He was taken into custody without incident.

In the previous year to date of Dec. 26, the sheriff’s office reports 176 aggravated assaults with a gun compared to 269 at this time last year, a 35% decrease.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office reports 32 homicides this year compared to 49 last year to date, also a 35% decrease.

They say having more boots on the ground, combined with high visibility and technology, has been a huge asset in the past year.

“This arrest highlights the strength of our coordinated response and the professionalism of our deputies. From patrol to investigators, K9 handlers, and the use of technology like drones and fingerprint scanners, our team worked seamlessly to take a dangerous individual into custody without further harm to the public,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said.

Berrien is currently in custody and faces two aggravated assault, criminal trespass, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime charges. There may be more charges as the investigations continue.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The child involved in the Augusta Best Buy shooting in September is in the process of being adopted by his uncle.

David Domingo is the brother of Melissa Domingo, the child’s mother.

Melissa, 41, and her mother, Elizabeth Domingo, 79, were allegedly shot and killed in the Best Buy parking lot on Walton Way Extension in early September during a custody exchange with the child’s father, 41-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh – Melissa’s ex-husband.

Talebzadeh was charged with two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree.

The child was not hurt in the incident.

David said the judge in the case allowed DCFs to begin the adoption process as the criminal trial is ongoing, and that the 5-year-old is in Colorado for the holidays.

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