News Summary
A series of shootings in Augusta and Aiken County has resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality. Local authorities are investigating incidents that occurred at various locations, with two arrests made. A tragic shooting in Warrenville claimed the life of a 53-year-old woman, while a disturbing confrontation during a traffic stop led to the death of a deputy. The community is calling for increased safety measures amidst ongoing investigations.
Augusta, Georgia – A series of shootings in Augusta and Aiken County over the weekend has left multiple injuries and one fatality, prompting serious concern among local authorities and community members. The incidents, which occurred on different days and locations, are currently under investigation.
In Augusta, two individuals were taken into custody following an early morning shooting on Bahama Drive that took place at approximately 2:37 a.m. Eyewitnesses reported that at least one man was shot at by multiple assailants, leading to a swift response from the Richmond County SWAT team who engaged in a brief standoff during their investigation. As of now, the investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Later in the day, another shooting was reported on Lyman Street around 7:20 p.m. In this incident, a victim sustained at least one gunshot wound and managed to seek help at an AutoZone. Fortunately, the injuries were deemed non-life threatening. Investigators are still working to gather details about this shooting as well.
Meanwhile, in Aiken County, a tragic incident unfolded as 53-year-old Cherie Hewitt was shot and killed in Warrenville. Authorities found Hewitt unresponsive in the 100 block of Whaley Street at around 2:30 a.m., and she was pronounced dead shortly after at approximately 3:10 a.m. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office, along with the Sheriff’s Office, is currently involved in the investigation, including an autopsy scheduled for later this week.
Another disturbing incident occurred in Columbia County during a traffic stop involving deputies. The suspect, identified as James Blake Montgomery, opened fire on deputies after being initially cooperative. Deputy Brandon Sikes tragically lost his life on-site, while Deputy Gavin White sustained critical injuries. After a standoff, Montgomery was found dead inside a motor home. Authorities recovered a cache of weapons, including numerous firearms and pipe bombs from the scene. This incident is particularly troubling in the context of domestic violence, as it was reported that Montgomery had a protective order served against him. Additionally, he was linked to a steroid operation, further complicating the case.
The Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle has addressed these violent incidents and emphasized the ongoing investigations. The Sheriff’s Office is calling on the community to support the families of the fallen and injured deputies during this difficult time.
The incidents coincide with warm weather conditions in the area, with predominantly sunny skies forecasted, reaching up to 92°F during the day. Partly cloudy conditions are expected to develop in the evening, with the potential for a stray shower or thunderstorm.
Local residents and officials are processing the impact of these shootings on the community, underlining the need for increased safety measures and vigilance in light of the recent violence. The investigations into all these incidents continue as law enforcement seeks to bring clarity and justice to affected families.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta shooting victim runs to AutoZone for help
- Google Search: Augusta shooting
- WJBF: SWAT RCSO respond to Augusta shooting
- Wikipedia: Types of shooting
- Augusta Chronicle: Fatal shooting in Warrenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Columbia County deputy killed in shooting
- Google News: Columbia County shooting
