Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

Walmart Incident in Augusta Involves Armed Suspect

Law enforcement officers coordinate a response outside a Walmart store in Augusta.

News Summary

A tense encounter unfolded at a Walmart in Augusta when Edward Morris allegedly aimed a handgun at law enforcement during an attempted shoplifting arrest. Deputy Michael Cole initiated a foot chase, leading to Morris’s capture shortly after. Morris faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a felon. A second suspect, Angelo Harris, was also arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting. The investigation continues as law enforcement emphasizes the challenges they face in ensuring public safety.

Augusta – A tense situation unfolded at a Walmart store on Wrightsboro Road on Saturday afternoon when a suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at a law enforcement officer during an attempted arrest. Edward Morris, 43, is facing multiple criminal charges following the incident, which took place around 2:58 p.m. on May 31.

Investigator Michael Cole was on special duty at the Walmart when he approached Morris, who was suspected of shoplifting. As Cole attempted to detain him, Morris reportedly drew a firearm from his waistband and aimed it at the investigator. In response, Cole initiated a foot chase while ensuring that bystanders in the vicinity were safe from the escalating situation.

Deputies began their search for Morris shortly after the incident, with Morris being apprehended just five minutes later at approximately 3:03 p.m. in a parking lot behind an AutoZone location at 1503 North Leg Road. Deputy Darella Johnson took part in the arrest, with a K9 unit led by Deputy Wade Banks deployed to search for any firearms that Morris may have discarded during his escape.

Surveillance footage from the Walmart provided confirmation of Morris’s actions, verifying that he had, indeed, pointed a firearm at Investigator Cole. Law enforcement officials promptly charged Morris with several offenses, including:

Aggravated assault on a peace officer
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
Misdemeanor shoplifting

Furthermore, it was revealed that Morris had an outstanding warrant for a DUI charge in Rockdale County, Georgia, further complicating his legal situation. Alongside Morris, a second individual named Angelo Harris, aged 39, was also arrested at the scene. Harris was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting, but unlike Morris, he did not flee the store.

Richmond County Sheriff Gino Brantley addressed the serious implications of Morris’s actions, underlining the potential danger posed during the encounter. He commended the professionalism exhibited by the deputies involved in the pursuit and apprehension of the suspect.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence related to the events surrounding the attempted arrest and the behavior exhibited by both Morris and Harris. The swift actions of law enforcement in this matter highlight the challenges they face in ensuring public safety while addressing criminal behavior.

This incident serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers encounter in their duty to protect the community. As the situation develops, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide further updates regarding any additional findings from the ongoing investigation.

For the community of Augusta, this event reflects a broader issue of public safety and the need for effective law enforcement measures to mitigate risks associated with criminal activities.