AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An armed robbery in Richmond County prompted a SWAT team response on Saturday.

Officials said a Hispanic male accepted a ride at around 2:50 p.m. from two black males at the Bank of America ATM located at 3028 Deans Bridge Road to go to another ATM.

Instead of taking him there, the suspects took him to the 3500 block of Jack Kelly Road, where they met a third black male who was armed with a gun, authorities say.

The armed suspect robbed the victim of his bag containing various personal items; the victim was able to flee and contact law enforcement, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies arrived in the area where the incident occurred and were shown the residence connected to the suspects.

Upon approaching the residence, officials say the first deputy saw movement from someone inside the house and requested additional units. Responding deputies attempted to contact the people inside, but were unsuccessful.

SWAT was contacted and went to the location, along with the drone response team and a K-9 unit.

Deputies secured the house, cleared nearby residences and blocked the roadway in both directions. Augusta Fire Rescue and Central EMS also responded in a stand-by capacity.

After multiple attempts to establish communication through the PA system and by phone, SWAT entered the residence, according to authorities.

Evidence related to the robbery was found inside; however, no one was found. The sheriff’s office believes the suspects exited the residence before deputies completed the perimeter around the property.

The scene cleared around 7:15 p.m.

The investigation is still active, and no other information is available right now.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta held its annual Martin Luther King parade Saturday afternoon.

The parade started at 1 p.m. and ran for about an hour.

Organizations from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to a group named the “Zodiac Steppers” were in the parade.

A student from Paine College who’s in the collegiate 100 chapter at the college spoke about the event.

“We’re educating youth about leadership, mentorship, stepping into their roles at leadership, teaching them company, about themselves, we teach about mental health, wellness and the leadership,” said Brittney Daniel, Vice President of Collegiate 100 at Paine College.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The city of Augusta is celebrating a milestone moment in the arts community.

After decades of growth from a small downtown space to a brand-new home, the Augusta Mini Theatre is opening the doors to its new instructional and performance center.

October 8^th, 1975 is a day that has been cemented in history as Butler took the initial steps in creating what would be known as the Augusta Mini Theatre. 

Butler along with his wife and the artistic director of the Augusta Mini Theatre, Judith Simon-Butler, began their voyage of servitude to the arts in becoming the first performing arts school in Augusta to offer all of the disciplines which include acting, singing, dance, and visual arts, under one roof. 

The Augusta Mini Theatre moved into its current home on Deans Bridge Road in 2008, using a $1.3 Million grant from the city and $400,000 that the organization raised on its own.

History Of The Augusta Mini Theatre

On Friday, January 16th, the Augusta Mini Theatre held a ribbon cutting ceremony, and patrons had the opportunity to walk through the brand new instructional and performing arts center, which includes the Judith Simon Butler Theatre.

For the current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and attendees in general, this is truly a monumental moment.

“I’m feeling butterflies, and I’m overwhelmed with joy because when I started in the theater, I was in the second grade, and we were downtown in this little bit of space and the floor creaked, and it was so tiny. And now we just have this huge space to spread out, and it’s just so special to us,” says Brittany Dent, the Augusta Mini Theatre Alumni Chairperson. “The importance of this building is just so monumental because we have literally started from the bottom, and Mr. and Mrs. Butler have built their way out. The dream of just having a community center for the arts in Augusta… It’s so monumental to be able to have a 140-foot theater where we can do our own plays and shows and anything. It’s just a very special thing. After the celebration, we’re going forward. We pray for another 50 years of celebrations. We hope that there are so many kids that are able to pass through these doors, are able to earn the scholarship, and are able to just get all the programs that they have to offer.”

The Augusta Mini Theatre is located on Deans Bridge Road, and for more information, you can visit their website, https://augustaminitheatre.org/.

Photojournalist: Avery Van Dusen