AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A wanted man has been arrested in connection with a shooting over a PlayStation at Azalea Park apartments, authorities said Friday.

Authorities say ZyRick Jackson, 18, of Augusta, was wanted in reference to a shooting that occurred on May 9 at the Azalea Park Apartments located at 1814 Fayetteville Drive.

He was arrested Thursday, according to Richmond County jail records.

Around 8:30 p.m., deputies say they arrived and saw the suspect, Jackson, who had been shot in both legs.

The victim told authorities, Jackson had pulled a firearm on him after an argument over a PlayStation 4.

He only tried to get the gun in defense, and when he ran away, Jackson shot at him at least once, according to authorities.

Jackson told authorities he was attempting to keep his gun away from the victim, and while doing so, the gun accidentally discharged a round into his left leg, authorities say.

He stated he wasn’t sure if the victim grabbed the gun, causing him to shoot himself, according to authorities.

Authorities say Jackson did tell authorities he shot at the victim once when he was running away.

Jackson told authorities he was not sure whether he shot himself in the right leg or not.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Lots of mental health resources were at the fingertips of veterans and their families on Thursday at the annual VA Mental Health Resource Fair.

Many people were there taking advantage of the resources the fair had to offer.

We were there and talked with a local recovery coordinator about what this fair means to veterans.

“Some of our veterans have said that this fair has been wonderful because they have all the resources in one room. So, they can ask questions and get information in one swoop,” said Dr. Ardra Gilchrist.

Officials say this was an opportunity for veterans, staff and community providers to discover the wide range of mental health resources that VA Augusta has to offer the veteran community.

“Too often, society limits its concept of Veteran mental health to PTSD or combat-related conditions,” said Dr. Robin E. Jackson, Executive Director of VA Augusta Health Care System. “While we do have an amazing Trauma-Recovery Clinic, our mental health services address a wide range of social, relational and behavioral conditions that might or might not have their roots in military service. Our goal is to partner with the Veteran on a path to holistic healing.”

If you didn’t make it out to this event, give Veterans Affairs of Augusta a call at 706-733-0188. They say they will get you connected to the right resources.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A ribbon-cutting was held Thursday for the “Pillars of the Golden Blocks” sculpture at the Twiggs Circle roundabout.

The sculpture was created by Ashley Gray as a symbol of unity, resilience and cultural richness.

Inspired by Leslie J. Pollard Sr.’s book “Segregated Doctoring,” the sculpture is meant to embody the spirit of collaboration and community upliftment.

The vision for the artwork was fostered by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum and the Committee for the Golden Blocks.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson talked about how the symbol of unity and resilience can help foster that in Augusta. 

“This means a lot for the area we take, an area that is so rich in history where we get to highlight people that have contributed so much to our history and legacy,” said Johnson. “Encourage everyone from Augusta to come out and see it.” 

In addition, representatives from the Augusta Housing Authority worked closely with residents from Allen Homes, Powell Pointe and MM Scott to ensure a consensus in the selection of this piece.

Funding was provided by the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute.

The Golden Blocks were a part of downtown Augusta that was the core of the Black business community.

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