AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies rushed to Augusta Mall after reports of gunshots there.

Dispatchers say the initial report came in at 1:43 p.m. Sunday.

The sheriff’s office said deputies learned the shooting happened in Dillard’s.

Upon arrival, deputies were informed the suspect had fled the scene and the victim had left, too.

Deputies later learned the victim had driven themselves to a local hospital for treatment.

The mall was closed and will remain closed until Monday, when it will resume normal business hours.

Sheriff’s Lt. Robbie Silas termed it an isolated incident and said investigators are actively looking for the suspect.

People at the mall told News 12 they hid inside dressing rooms at a department store once they heard gunfire.

At the scene, we saw eight Richmond County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and two Central EMS ambulances with lights flashing and no activity.

It’s not the first time shots have been fired at the mall.

On Oct. 3 2022, one person was killed in a shooting at the mall. Tony Rodrequez Burton, of Augusta, was found guilty in October 2023 of two counts of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony,

The shooting also prompted a lawsuit by an employee who claimed the mall failed to keep the premises safe.

In June 2022, someone displayed a gun during an altercation in the food court. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

Sunday’s incident comes amid an outbreak of violent crimes that’s claimed more than 150 lives across the CSRA in two years. It’s affected communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River. But as the largest city in the region, Augusta has been hit especially hard.

Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs, and many of the victims as well as the suspects have been young men.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Coroner’s Office is investigating a deadly accident involving the driver of a moped.

Coroner Mark Bowen says 60-year-old Robert Brown of Augusta was riding a moped north on Peach Orchard Road when he hit the side of a vehicle turning onto Harold Road.

Brown was taken to Wellstar MCG Health by EMS where, Bowen says, he was pronounced dead at 12:05, Sunday morning.

An autopsy has been scheduled.

We’re working to learn more about this deadly incident and will keep you updated.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – April is Limb Loss Awareness Month, and veterans in the CSRA are highlighting the services available to help.

On Thursday, there was a rock wall-climbing event held at the Augusta Veterans Affairs Office that showed how people can adapt to the loss of a limb.

One veteran spoke about his personal battle with losing both his legs and why events like this are so important.

“I remember when I met the first guy I met. I walked over there to him and said, ‘Man how long you been an amputee?’ He looked at me like, ‘Why are you over here talking to me? You aren’t an amputee.’

And I tapped both legs. That young man started crying. He said, ‘I want to be just like you. I want to get up out of my chair.’ I said, ‘You can do it,’” said Charles Bungy.

The next event is an art therapy event on Monday, starting at 9 a.m. at the VA’s office.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.