SWAT team responds to 2 calls in less than 3 hours

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded to two separate calls in less than three hours on Tuesday.

Hay Meadow Drive

Along with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT BearCat Unit, Richmond County’s SWAT team responded to the 800 block of Hay Meadow Drive in Sims Place Neighborhood at 10:40 p.m.

Deputies say the call originally came in as a domestic incident involving a firearm.

A woman involved was able to escape the residence and leave the area safely, according to deputies.

Officials say the male suspect barricaded himself inside the home with multiple firearms, refused to exit and made threats toward law enforcement officers.

Nearby residences were cleared and residents were asked to temporarily shelter elsewhere for safety reasons.

All entrances to the area were blocked to vehicle and pedestrian traffic until 12:15 a.m. Wednesday

Officials say a trained negotiator communicated with the suspect and remained on the phone with him for one hour.

Deputies say a gunshot was then heard from inside the residence. The SWAT team made entry into the home, where the suspect was located and observed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office says Rafael Moreno, 35, was taken to Wellstar MCG, where he was pronounced dead at 2:09 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

The area was reopened around 12:32 a.m. Wednesday morning. The scene was completely cleared at 4:01 a.m.

Fox Hall Circle

A man accused of threatening to kill deputies was taken into custody after firing shots into the air during a standoff Tuesday night, authorities said.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies responded about 9 p.m. to reports of shots fired in the 2900 block of Fox Hall Circle.

When deputies arrived, the man came outside the home and allegedly fired multiple rounds into the air, officials said.

According to the agency, during initial phone contact, he threatened to kill deputies.

The RCSO SWAT team was activated and assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) SWAT BearCat armored vehicle team.

“This marks the third SWAT call out in the past week, and each incident has ended peacefully due to the specialized training and equipment that our teams have worked hard to put in place. The immediate response by our deputies and the cooperation from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, supported by our mutual aid agreements, have been essential in ensuring safe outcomes. We are very grateful for the strong partnership between our agencies and the commitment of every deputy involved,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

A drone team provided aerial overwatch while deputies notified nearby residents and advised them to seek shelter or stay in place, authorities said.

After a standoff and with assistance from a neighbor who communicated with an RCSO negotiator, the man exited the home unarmed and was taken into custody, officials said.

Deputies secured the home to ensure no other individuals were inside.

Investigators are obtaining warrants after observing a large number of weapons in plain view, authorities said.

The man was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

The scene was cleared around 10:30 p.m.

The sheriff’s office says more information will be provided regarding charges when available.

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