News Summary
In downtown Augusta, rising violent crime is raising concerns for residents and business owners. Local law enforcement is implementing strategies to improve safety, including increased patrols during late-night hours. Recent crime statistics show a troubling rise in shootings and homicides, particularly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Community leaders are supporting revitalization plans aimed at restoring confidence among residents. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Eugene Brantley, is committed to enhancing safety and security in the area.
Augusta Faces Rising Violent Crime Amid Efforts to Increase Safety and Patrols
Augusta, GA – Rising violent crime has become a pressing concern for residents and business owners in downtown Augusta, prompting law enforcement to implement new strategies aimed at improving safety in the area. Recent crime statistics indicate an alarming rate of shootings and homicides, particularly during the late-night hours.
Between 2019 and 2025, downtown Augusta recorded a total of 10 homicides, with no significant fluctuations in the annual numbers. The majority of these incidents occurred between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., especially in the 700 block of Broad Street near the Augusta Common, highlighting the dangerous trend. A total of 23 shootings have been documented since 2019, peaking in 2021 with seven incidents and in 2023 with five reported shootings. Most of these violent events stem from late-night fights, occurring predominantly between midnight and 3 a.m.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is responding to these safety concerns by increasing patrols in downtown Augusta, particularly during nighttime hours, in an effort to protect families and enhance community security. The newly appointed sheriff, Eugene Brantley, is committed to collaborating with local business owners to reclaim and revitalize the streets of downtown Augusta.
Recent incidents have further alarmed the community. One notable case involved the tragic shooting of 13-year-old Buddy Brown, who was attacked while delivering a DoorDash order. This incident, along with others, has heightened anxiety among local residents and business operators. Memorials for victims of violence have become increasingly common, with neighborhoods bearing scars of shattered glass and visible bullet holes.
In a disturbing development on April 19, a shooting left 61-year-old Tracey Waddell critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries. Two individuals, Da’Mon Cole and Destiny Reeves, have since been charged with murder following an investigation that revealed the shooting was part of an attempted robbery. According to reports, Cole shot Waddell in the head as he approached a vehicle.
To combat the rising crime, a proactive downtown safety plan has been introduced, assigning two deputies to patrol each block of Broad Street during the weekends. This initiative aims to establish a more visible law enforcement presence in areas with high incidences of violence.
Community leaders, including officials from the mayor’s office and county commissioners, are voicing their support for revitalization plans that also prioritize safety enhancements. Their united effort aims to restore confidence among residents and business owners alike in the downtown area’s security.
Despite the efforts being put forth, safety concerns in downtown Augusta are not new. They have persisted across several law enforcement administrations, underscoring the need for a sustained and dedicated response to curb ongoing violence. The implementation of the new patrol strategy seeks to create a safer environment for families and visitors as well as to foster a sense of community trust.
As downtown Augusta continues to grapple with these serious issues, the local community remains hopeful that the increased presence of law enforcement and planned safety initiatives will lead to a significant reduction in crime, allowing the area to thrive as a safe space for excitement, business, and community interaction.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Investigates Crime Downtown Augusta
- WJBF: 61-Year-Old Found Shot Downtown Augusta
- Augusta Chronicle: Late Night Shooting in Downtown Augusta
- WFXG: Downtown Augusta Shooting Leaves One Dead
- Augusta Chronicle: Authorities Seek Man for Questioning
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime
- Google Search: Augusta Violent Crime
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Augusta Crime News
