AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 28-year-old man wanted in connection to two separate shootings this month has been arrested.

One of the shootings occurred on Dec. 26 and the other on Dec. 4, officials say.

The suspect, identified as Dennis Berrien, was already wanted for aggravated assault in connection with the shooting on Dec. 4 and is now also charged in the Dec. 26 incident, after which he was arrested.

On Dec. 4, deputies received reports that Berrien had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the altercation, Berrien reportedly fired at least three shots in her direction before fleeing the scene. He left behind a damaged vehicle belonging to his girlfriend’s grandmother, deputies say.

On Dec. 26, investigators determined Berrien shot another person, critically injuring him, near the 2300 block of Winston Way, according to authorities.

Deputies and investigators say they quickly established a perimeter and began the initial investigation. Witnesses described the suspect, and with the help of K9 units, drones and surveillance cameras of nearby businesses, they were able to track Berrien.

Deputies located Berrien at the AM PM gas station as he exited the restroom, wearing clothing consistent with the witness description.

During the encounter, Berrien provided a false name and date of birth to an investigator, after which a corporal used a fingerprint scanner, which confirmed Berrien’s true identity, officials say. He was taken into custody without incident.

In the previous year to date of Dec. 26, the sheriff’s office reports 176 aggravated assaults with a gun compared to 269 at this time last year, a 35% decrease.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office reports 32 homicides this year compared to 49 last year to date, also a 35% decrease.

They say having more boots on the ground, combined with high visibility and technology, has been a huge asset in the past year.

“This arrest highlights the strength of our coordinated response and the professionalism of our deputies. From patrol to investigators, K9 handlers, and the use of technology like drones and fingerprint scanners, our team worked seamlessly to take a dangerous individual into custody without further harm to the public,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said.

Berrien is currently in custody and faces two aggravated assault, criminal trespass, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime charges. There may be more charges as the investigations continue.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The child involved in the Augusta Best Buy shooting in September is in the process of being adopted by his uncle.

David Domingo is the brother of Melissa Domingo, the child’s mother.

Melissa, 41, and her mother, Elizabeth Domingo, 79, were allegedly shot and killed in the Best Buy parking lot on Walton Way Extension in early September during a custody exchange with the child’s father, 41-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh – Melissa’s ex-husband.

Talebzadeh was charged with two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree.

The child was not hurt in the incident.

David said the judge in the case allowed DCFs to begin the adoption process as the criminal trial is ongoing, and that the 5-year-old is in Colorado for the holidays.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has taken a suspect into custody after an armed robbery, and shots were fired at a Family Dollar on Broad Street.

Another suspect is still on the run, according to the sheriff’s office.

At approximately 8:48 p.m. Sunday, two unknown black males entered the Family Dollar located at 1991 Broad Street and committed an armed robbery, officials say.

After the robbery, both suspects ran toward Curry Street, and a witness tried to stop them with a vehicle, according to authorities.

At that time, one of the suspects fired once at the witness before the firearm appeared to malfunction, the sheriff’s office says. Both suspects continued running behind the business.

Deputies quickly established a perimeter and began searching the area.

Officials said at approximately 9:30 p.m., they located, identified, and took one suspect into custody for questioning.

This remains an open and active investigation, according to the sheriff’s office, and there is no other information right now.

“In 2024, year-to-date armed robberies of businesses were at 26. This year, year-to-date, they are at 17, which represents a 35 percent decrease,” DDACTS, Data Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety work well.” said Chief Lewis Blanchard.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the sheriff’s office developed plans using their intel division to reduce crime for this year and going forward.

”This allows us to deploy team members in specific areas based on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day to both deter crime and apprehend criminals in the act. Repeatedly, these strategies are paying off, and I am extremely proud of all of our team members who are working diligently to reduce crime and violence in Augusta-Richmond County,” Brantley said.

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