AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the incident that happened last month at the Burger King on Deans Bridge Road.

Deputies initially went to the restaurant on Jan 22 shortly after 5:30 p.m. for a physical altercation with reports of shots fired.

After arriving, investigators determined that Octavione Collier and another person had been involved in a verbal and physical confrontation inside the restaurant.

They were both initially charged with disorderly conduct related to fighting, and a firearm was secured at the scene.

Due to the reported presence of a handgun during the incident, investigators reviewed all statements and evidence to determine whether additional charges were appropriate.

During the investigation, the other person involved said Collier pulled out a firearm during the altercation. The business manager said she heard someone yell that shots were going to be fired. A witness on the scene told investigators that Collier told the individual, “I’ll kill you right now,” while he could see a firearm in Collier’s waistband, according to authorities.

Deputies located Collier at the scene and detained him.

Officials say during a mirandized interview, Collier said that the firearm had been in his waistband during the altercation before he placed it inside a vehicle at the scene, where deputies located the firearm.

Based on witness statements, Collier’s admission, and the recovery of the firearm, investigators determined additional charges were warranted, officials say.

Collier was charged with terroristic threats and acts and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

On February 13, 2026, Collier was denied bond.

“I want to commend our initial responding deputies for their quick response and professionalism in securing the scene and ensuring that no one was seriously injured. Their actions helped bring a dangerous situation under control. I also want to recognize our investigators for their thorough follow-up and commitment to ensuring that the appropriate charges were pursued based on the evidence,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Night to Shine prom experience took place Friday night at Warren Baptist Church, celebrating special needs teens with a full prom experience.

The event served 200 honored guests with the help of more than 600 volunteers, according to Brandon Lewis, worship pastor at the church.

“It’s for anyone with special needs, those who are differently abled, but they just get to come and be celebrated,” Lewis said. “They get to come and it’s kind of like a prom. We have a dance that we have and it’s just a time where they have fun.”

Each honored guest was paired with a volunteer buddy who stayed with them throughout the evening. The buddies walked guests through the entire process and served as friends for the night.

“The buddy is a person assigned directly to the honored guest. They stay with them the whole night. They walk them through the whole process. They’re there if they need anything. And they’re just there as a friend throughout the night,” Lewis said.

The event included multiple activities for attendees. Guests received shoe shines, participated in dancing, and had access to makeup and hair services. The experience also featured a red carpet entrance and party bus rides.

“We get to do everything from shoe shine, have dance, they have makeup, hair, red carpet. There’s a party bus that they get to ride on. So all kinds of fun stuff,” Lewis said.

Lewis said his favorite part of the event was the red carpet entrance, where guests walked through doors to find 200 people cheering for them with music playing.

“It’s just being able to get to see people’s face when that door flings open. There’s 200 people screaming for them, music’s pumping, and they just get to walk down and be special,” Lewis said.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been the better part of a year since Augusta-Richmond County’s planning and development director announced her resignation, but now there are two finalists seeking to succeed her.

Officials announced Friday that the two candidates are Ryan A. Bland and Adleasia J. Cameron.

Officials haven’t yet released information about them, but News 12 requested their job applications and resumes, which are covered under state open records laws.

Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director effective May 30.

“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney said in her letter of resignation.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.