AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The VA Augusta Healthcare System cut the ribbon on its new emergency ambulance service on Thursday.

The in-house medical transportation program is designed to ensure specialized care for veterans with complex medical needs.

“So we have two new ambulances that we have put into service officially,” said James Doelling, the interim executive director of VA Augusta Healthcare System. “This is for us to be able to, through patient safety and get veterans where they need to be, when they need to be, to make sure we’re given the best care anywhere in our nation’s heroes. We’re really excited. As you are aware, we are the only four star facility in the Augusta area, and this is only going to make us even better and deliver exceptional care to our heroes.”

The VA said it hopes the service will reduce delays and better support veterans.

Photojournalist credit: Dania Alawir

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A driver is in custody after leading Richmond County deputies on a chase that ended in a rollover crash Thursday evening.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies say they attempted to stop a black BMW sedan with no registration plate on Tubman Home Road at Gordon Highway around 6:30 p.m.

The driver, Willie Junior Brown, 33, failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit, according law enforcement.

Deputies say Brown lost control of the vehicle on the 2500 block of Blueberry Drive, striking an unoccupied 1999 Chevrolet Silverado.

Brown’s vehicle rolled over and he then attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

Deputies say Brown was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Several criminal charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.