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Cop didn’t chase 3 Augusta teens onto wrong side before deadly crash

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Cop didn’t chase 3 Augusta teens onto wrong side before deadly crash


The Blythe police officer who tried to pull over a speeding Mercury Sable with three Augusta teens inside did not follow them into the wrong side of the road Friday before the deadly crash, authorities said Saturday.

The high-speed chase in Richmond County ended tragically around 8 p.m. Friday, resulting in the fiery deaths of three young teens. The coroner says two of the victims are believed to be brothers.

The chain of events began when Blythe Officer Thomas Ray attempted to pull over a Mercury Sable for speeding 71 in a 55 mph zone. The driver of the Mercury, however, refused to stop and led the officer on a pursuit on Deans Bridge Road.

“As the vehicle approached the Bath Edie Road intersection, the violator entered the southbound lanes still traveling north, the Blythe PD Officer did not pursue the vehicle on the wrong side of the roadway,” according to the Georgia State Patrol. “After traveling north for approximately one mile, the violator struck a southbound truck head-on just north of the Etterle Road intersection. After the crash, the violator vehicle caught on fire and became engulfed in flames.”

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Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all three occupants of the Mercury were pronounced dead by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office. The identities of the deceased will be confirmed following an autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab, which could take weeks.

Meanwhile, the mother of at least one of the teens has posted photos online, asking for prayers for her and her mental health.

Shakeila Scott said she can’t handle the pain.

“It’s unreal,” she said with a broken heart emoji. “This right here has broke me. Them boys was my biggest strength, my world. I really wanna crash out but I got two other kids that needs me. I’m asking all my friends and family to pray for me and my mental health right now please.”

On Facebook, the Augusta, Georgia Fire/EMA posted photos of the aftermath of the crash along with a report on their involvement:

Photos of the deadly accident were posted on Facebook by Augusta, Georgia Fire/EMA

At 7:53 p.m. (Friday), firefighters were dispatched to a motor vehicle fire at the intersection of Deans Bridge Road and Etterlee Road. Engine 7 was the first to arrive on the scene, encountering a fully involved vehicle fire. A column of smoke was visible en route, and dispatch confirmed reports of individuals entrapped inside the vehicle.

The vehicle fire was quickly extinguished. Unfortunately, three individuals were found inside the vehicle. Firefighters spent several hours safely extricating the victims from the severely damaged car.

Other agencies that responded to the scene included the Coroner, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Blythe Police Department, and Central EMS. The occupants of the other vehicle involved in the accident were treated at the scene by Central EMS but declined transport to the hospital.

The cause of the accident and fire is currently under investigation.

(If you have a memory or photo of the three teens to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)

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Augusta, GA

First Alert Forecast l Drying out and warming up for the week ahead

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First Alert Forecast l Drying out and warming up for the week ahead


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dry weather returns to the CSRA for the week ahead with temperatures warming up each day.

After a foggy start Sunday, we should see at least a few breaks in the clouds with highs near average in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Winds will be light from the southeast.

Sunday night looks partly cloudy and cool with overnight lows near 40 degrees. Wind will be calm.

Monday will be a partly sunny and mild day with highs in the middle 60s. Wind will be southwest at 2 to 6 mph.

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Tuesday through Thursday…Partly sunny each day and partly cloudy night. Highs will be near 70 Tuesday, warming into the lower to middle 70s Wednesday and Thursday.

Clouds increase a bit Friday, and there could be a shower or two late in the day. Highs Friday will be in the lower to middle 70s.

Keep a close eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans next weekend, because a frontal system moves in with a decent chance of rain Friday night into Saturday. Highs will be a touch cooler Saturday in the middle 60s.

Above average temperatures likely for the next 2 weeks.(WRDW)

Keep it here for regular updates and be sure to Download the WRDW First Alert Weather App to have the latest information in the palm of your hand whenever and wherever you need it.

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Augusta, GA

Downtown Augusta businesses look forward to new year

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Downtown Augusta businesses look forward to new year


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.

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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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Suspect arreested in pair of separate Augusta shootings

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Suspect arreested in pair of separate Augusta shootings


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.

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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.

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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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