Augusta, GA

Investigation launched after body run over at shooting scene

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

Investigation launched after body run over at shooting scene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Newly released records are shedding light on the Augusta Fire Department employee who ran over a shooting victim’s body in May.

It happened May 13 at East Boundary and Sand Bar Ferry Road after gunfire broke out at a motorcycle group’s clubhouse, killing two people.

The body of Germayne Farrell, 51, of Daytona Beach, Fla., was dragged 51 feet and 10 inches by the fire department’s 2008 red Ford Expedition, according to a traffic report from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

News 12 has not named the driver, since he has not been charged with a crime.

The driver was put on administrative leave for an investigation, and that leave was extended so the investigation could continue, according to communications between city officials that were obtained under an open records request.

The original leave was May 22 through June 5. Fire Chief Antonio Burden requested an extension to June 20, and the extension was approved according to the documents.

EARLIER COVERAGE:

Among the documents was an email from Interim City Administrator Takiyah A. Douse asking Human Resources Director Anita Rookard how often city employees are placed on administrative leave for a month.

“To answer your question, we have not since I have been on staff,” Rookard answered. She said in the email that she’d speak with Burden and recommend that he bring the matter to a resolution.

The original leave request from Burden, also released under an open records request, says the leave was sought for the mental health and well-being of the shift commander who was driving the vehicle.

The follow-up emails between city officials made references to an investigation, which is one of the few confirmations we’ve seen that there is an investigation of the incident.

Officials say while responding to the scene of the intersections of Ellis Street, Prep Phillips Drive, and Sand Bar Ferry Road; the driver was leaving to go to East Boundary at Broad for other injuries. He was traveling north from Ellis Street, crossing through the parking lot of Prep Phillips Drive, when he did not see Farrell lying face down.

“He was clearing the area to get his car out so that emergency vehicles can come in and did not see the individual as he was coming off his path,” Sheriff Richard Roundtree said soon after the incident.

The driver “failed to see” the body at the south edge of the parking lot because “the vehicle hood and fender obscured his vision and he misjudged the location” of the body, according to an incident report.

“We made sure his well-being and emotional well-being was OK, but it was a freak accident and I know how the internet makes it seem horrific, but it was an accident. I feel emotionally for that fire personnel and what they are going through,” Roundtree said.

“Misjudged clearance” is listed as the operator factor on the report.

The driver did not receive a drug test or an alcohol test in response to this incident, according to the accident report.

We reached out to the Augusta Fire Department, and they say they can’t comment at this time.

Source link

Click to comment

Augusta, GA

North Augusta Baseball gets one last swing at Riverview Park

Published

4 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

North Augusta Baseball gets one last swing at Riverview Park

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re just under two months away from baseball season and this year will be a bittersweet one for North Augusta’s baseball and softball teams.

While many players would much rather play at a brand-new facility, Riverview Park has been home to the Yellowjackets for a long time now.

After this season, however, North Augusta will finally have a new place to call home.

But, they will have one more chance to close out a phenomenal season before transitioning to the new stadium next year.

You’ve seen the construction and you can see the vision.

In just a few more months, across the street from North Augusta High School will be two brand-new facilities.

The newest home of the Yellowjackets baseball and softball teams.

“It’s a chance to have something that is ours,” said Lynn. “Our own atmosphere at school. It’s going to be exciting.”

The over $8 million project was slated to be completed ahead of this year’s season, but after multiple delays like the impact of Hurricane Helene and just how big of a project it truly is, the facilities are still several months from being ready for play.

In the event construction concludes as originally planned, Head Coach Kevin Lynn says the team has no plans to move fields in the middle of their 2025 season.

“I don’t want to have summer ball starting there, I want our kids to start a regular season there,” said Lynn. I want them to open the season up and have a true home opener.”

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) looks on during pre-game warm-ups before an...

The good news is, nothing about this year will feel different for the team.

The Yellowjackets have called Riverview Park home for over 40 years and they’ll get one more chance to send it out with a grand slam.”I grew up watching my brother play here and many people before him, so being able to play here one last time feels really good.”

“I’d like to go out on a high note and finish up strong here. Our goal is to win all of our games at home since we play here all the time and know the layout more than anybody else. It’d be nice to accomplish those goals in our last season.”

Lynn’s team will open up on the road against Strom Thurmond on Feb. 11.

The Yellowjackets are 40 and 40 under Lynn as head coach.

It’s hard to believe we’re almost to baseball season, before we know it we’ll be talking about the Masters.

Source link

Augusta, GA

2 young males dead after boat overturns in Screven County

Published

12 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

2 young males dead after boat overturns in Screven County

SYLVANIA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Two young males are dead after their boat overturned while fishing, according to the Screven County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release, around 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency services received a call about a boat overturning in a pond off Poor Robin Road.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a young adult male who was located at the scene. The male reported he had been in a boat with two other young males fishing when their boat overturned.

The young male was treated for his injuries and released, according to officials.

Additional agencies arrived on the scene including the Screven County Marine Rescue Squadron and several local scuba divers.

“After an extensive 5-hour search, in 46-degree water, the bodies of the remaining two young males were located in the pond,” said Sheriff Norman Royal.

The investigation into the circumstances that led up to these deaths is still ongoing, but no foul play is suspected at this time, according to officials.

Screven County EMS, Screven County Fire, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Effingham County Fire and Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, also assisted in the response.

Sheriff Royal sends his thoughts and prayers to the families of these two young men and thanks all agencies that assisted and made their recovery possible.

Source link

Augusta, GA

WATCH: Gun comes out during fight at Butler High, video shows

Published

20 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

WATCH: Gun comes out during fight at Butler High, video shows

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A weapon was seized by school administrators after the apparent gun fell to the floor during a fight between students Tuesday at Butler High School.

Parents were told of the incident in a letter.

“Two students engaged in a fight in a classroom today during a class,” the letter stated. “During the altercation, students saw a weapon drop to the floor.”

The Richmond County School System didn’t address what kind of weapon it was, but a video on Facebook showed what appeared to be a gun.

Administrators and Richmond County School System police responded immediately and secured the school for about 45 minutes while police investigated, parents were told.

The student was taken into custody and the incident was addressed following the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

Source link