Augusta, GA

Coach, mentor says slain 15-year-old had a ‘big heart of a lion’

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2023

Coach, mentor says slain 15-year-old had a ‘big heart of a lion’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Household, mates, coaches, and mentors to Zaire Individual are all on the lookout for solutions after his loss of life.

“A child with an enormous coronary heart. Coronary heart of a lion. Why him,” questions Recreation League Coach Michael Myles.

Myles knew Pesrson would play soccer on the collegiate degree. Now, these goals are modified perpetually by the trail of 1 bullet.

We sat with the coach and mentor to be taught extra concerning the aspiring soccer star.

All through our lifetime, a few of us are fortunate sufficient to have at the very least one mentor we all know we are able to depend on. Regardless of the circumstances, they are going to be there in a time of want with no single query.

For 15-year-old Individual, it’s Myles. One name perpetually modified his life.

“I used to be at work. His mom referred to as me at the very least 4 occasions, and at last, I regarded down on the telephone, and he or she stated, ‘Toonk has been shot. Name me Coach Mike’,” he stated.

With out hesitation, the coach turned mentor raced to AU Medical to be with Individual.

“Attempting to simply perceive like a child with an enormous coronary heart of a lion. Why him? why him,” stated Myles.

He wasn’t leaving till there have been solutions.

“It wasn’t true to me in my thoughts till I noticed his mom. And I requested if was he okay. She didn’t know in the intervening time. And I stated I’m gonna be proper right here till we discover out what’s occurring,” he stated.

Those that know Individual say he was good at monitor and basketball however his coach says his expertise shined the brightest in soccer.

“Little man with an enormous coronary heart that was a champion. Zaire was a champion,” stated Myles.

Individual performed soccer beneath Myles for 3 seasons, and their relationship grew past the sidelines.

“We did outings … fishing. They used to return over and play video video games. We had pizza with a number of different Wolverine soccer gamers,” he stated.

He by no means missed an opportunity to see “Toonk” play beneath the Friday night time lights.

“Each time he had a recreation, or if it was basketball, or if it was soccer with Butler Excessive Faculty, I’ll be there,” he stated.

Myles says his loss is felt for miles however his legacy gained’t be forgotten.

“This was an ideal child. This was a job mannequin child. It is a child that different youngsters used to look as much as, and nonetheless will look as much as as a result of his legacy continues to be gonna go, it’s going to hold with us,” stated Myles.

Beginning with justice.

“I simply wish to make sure that we are able to discover justice for a second. Simply proceed to play soccer, and proceed to do issues that he loves. Proceed to get the children in the neighborhood to do issues that they love,” he stated.

Legislation enforcement has not arrested a suspect in connection to Individual’s loss of life. We reached out to see if that they had any leads and to see if the neighborhood is at risk however they gained’t remark because it’s an open investigation.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

Published

7 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Harlem child was transfered to a local hospital after shooting himself in the shoulder, according to the Harlem Police Department.

Officials say the Harlem Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Fairview Drive just after 8 p.m. Thursday in reference to a gunshot wound.

Deputies say they offered aid to the juvenile until the Fire Department and EMS arrived.

According to authorities, the child found an unsecured gun in his father’s room and shot himself in the shoulder.

Deputies say the child was alert and conscious and is expected to make a full recovery.

Spencer Johnson has been arrested on a charge of cruelty to children in the second degree and has been transported to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to officials.

This case is still under investigation.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

Published

15 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.

The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.

The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office says in a recent case, a scammer posing as “Sgt. John Lewis” demanded over $300 for a leg monitor. The scammer later requested additional funds, directing the victim to provide payment via a bar code at a retail store.

The phone number, 706-821-1000, which is the official Richmond County Sheriff’s Office line, was spoofed during the scam to lend credibility to the fraudulent calls, deputies say.

Key reminders to avoid being scammed:

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they will never demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately and contact the agency or business directly by looking up the official number on their website.
Avoid providing money or personal information to unknown individuals, especially when payment methods involve gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, debit cards or other non-traditional methods.

The sheriff’s office says to report the scam immediately to local law enforcement.

For questions or to report suspicious activity, contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000.

Source link

Augusta, GA

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

Published

23 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We got an inside look at Augusta’s newest grocery store, FreshTake.

It’s located next to the Outback Steakhouse on Washington Road, where Whole Foods used to be.

FreshTake touts itself as an elevated shopping experience with a focus on fresh, ready-to-eat meals.

There is a butcher shop, seafood counter, specialty food stations like sushi, pizza, pasta, juices and smoothies and a Starbucks coffee shop located inside the store.

There’s also a beer and wine bar inside the grocery store and a BBQ smoker outside.

“I always wanted to have a store that had an abundance of food service offerings on one side just like you see here. I’m super happy and excited I was able to bring this to the Augusta community to enjoy,” said Jackson Mitchell, CEO of FreshTake.

FreshTake opens its doors to the public on Monday at 10 a.m. for its soft opening with a grand opening set for January 30.

The store tells us it is also committed to ensuring no food goes to waste and is partnering with Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Source link