Weekend shootings injure 5 people in 3 local counties

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – 5 folks have been injured in separate weekend shootings in Richmond, Burke and Aiken counties amid a yearlong surge in violence that’s left almost 90 folks lifeless throughout the CSRA.

Within the newest shootings:

• Two males have been despatched to the hospital after a taking pictures Saturday evening in downtown Augusta.
• Additionally Saturday evening, one particular person was despatched to a hospital after a taking pictures outdoors Girard in Burke County.
• On Saturday afternoon in Aiken, a taking pictures injured a 20-year-old man and a 26-year-old man on Roosevelt Court docket, simply down the road from Camellia Road Northeast.

In Augusta

Augusta’s newest taking pictures was reported at 9:24 p.m. Saturday at Fourth and Ellis streets, in keeping with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered two males who had been shot at the least one time.

Their accidents weren’t life-threatening, and so they have been taken to a neighborhood hospital.

That taking pictures occurred just some blocks away from one other one which killed 13-year-old Buddy Brown Jr. on March 28. Authorities consider Gregory Thornton, 30, of Baltimore, fatally shot Buddy at 744 Broad St. because the boy was choosing up a late-night DoorDash order. Authorities consider Thornton fled to Baltimore after the taking pictures, and so they’re in search of him there.

A greater than yearlong surge in violent crime has killed almost 90 folks, largely taking pictures victims, in communities giant and small on either side of the Savannah River. Lots of the victims and suspects have been younger males.

Whereas Augusta just isn’t alone in experiencing the rise in shootings, it’s been particularly hard-hit as the biggest metropolis within the area.

“Gun violence has been our albatross right here in Richmond County,” Sheriff Richard Roundtree advised Information 12 final week. “We attempt to throw each useful resource we are able to. And sadly, as time has progressed, the victims and the perpetrators have gotten youthful and youthful. That’s what’s disheartening.”

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Roundtree says three elements must go towards fixing this challenge. Accountable gun possession and gun security so weapons aren’t stolen, extra sources, mentorships, and funding for younger folks, and duty from the dad and mom on this group.

“We’re shedding these lives and shedding the following generations proper right here in Augusta,” Roundtree mentioned. “And I don’t suppose folks see that image. We see it in legislation enforcement, however folks see it as a headline, after which they transfer on. I don’t suppose they’re taking it severe sufficient that this can be a group downside.”

For the previous 10 years, Roundtree says shootings and homicides have persistently made the headlines. Together with 2022, we noticed one of many highest murder and taking pictures numbers previously eight years.

In Burke County

Saturday evening’s Burke County taking pictures was reported at 9:27 p.m. within the space of Claxton Street outdoors Girard.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male sufferer who had been shot one time. The sufferer was taken to a neighborhood hospital.

In Aiken

Saturday’s taking pictures in Aiken occurred at 3:49 p.m. on Roosevelt Court docket, simply down the road from Camellia Road Northeast.

Aiken Division of Public Security officers discovered one 20-year-old male and a 26-year-old male affected by gunshot wounds.

Each have been transported to an space hospital, however their situations are unknown.

On the scene after the taking pictures, yellow tape may very well be seen round a home and automotive on Carver Terrace, which Roosevelt Court docket is tucked away alongside. Officers have been looking a grey Kia that appeared to have bullet holes in it.

Anybody with data on this crime is urged to name the Aiken Division of Public Security at 803-642-7620 or submit an nameless on-line tip at Crime Tip | Metropolis of Aiken, SC Authorities (cityofaikensc.gov).

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