News Summary
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Jalen Thomas, a suspect involved in a Waffle House shooting that claimed the life of Antoine Stokes. Initially sought for aggravated assault, Thomas now faces murder charges after Stokes succumbed to his injuries. Authorities warn the public that Thomas is armed and dangerous. Described as 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 180 pounds, Thomas is believed to frequent Tobacco Road and Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway. Community members are urged to assist in locating him to enhance public safety.
Augusta, Georgia – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a suspect believed to be involved in a shooting incident at a local Waffle House that resulted in one fatality. The allege suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jalen Thomas, is wanted for the murder of 23-year-old Antoine Stokes of Martinez. The shooting occurred on August 20, 2025, at the Waffle House situated on Talbot Drive near Tobacco Road.
According to authorities, the victim, Antoine Stokes, sustained at least one gunshot wound during the incident. Following the shooting, Stokes was swiftly transported to Wellstar MCG Health, where he was pronounced dead on August 21, 2025, at 3:59 p.m. An autopsy for Stokes has since been scheduled to clarify the cause of death.
Initially, Jalen Thomas was sought on charges of aggravated assault, but the case escalated as Stokes succumbed to his injuries, leading to a murder charge against Thomas. Warrants have already been issued for his arrest, and law enforcement is urging the public to consider Thomas as armed and dangerous. His last known frequented areas include the Tobacco Road vicinity and Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway.
Thomas is described as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities have released this description to assist in locating him. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is calling on anyone with information regarding Thomas’s whereabouts to reach out to Investigator Courtland Harris at (706) 821-1455 or the Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the victim, Antoine Stokes, who died as a result of gun violence in the community. As of now, the Sheriff’s Office is intensifying their efforts to locate Thomas, with the need for information becoming increasingly urgent following the victim’s death.
Background Context
Gun violence remains a significant concern in communities across the nation, contributing to tragic incidents similar to the one on Talbot Drive. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is committed to addressing rising crime rates while ensuring public safety. In this case, the local community is reminded of the importance of vigilance and the role that citizens play in assisting law enforcement to apprehend individuals posing a threat to society.
The Sheriff’s office has been proactive in their response, emphasizing community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and individuals. They aim to foster a safer environment for residents by conducting thorough investigations and prompt communication regarding ongoing cases.
As the investigation continues, authorities encourage community members to remain alert and provide any information that may assist in bringing the suspect to justice. Each report can potentially be a critical component in solving the case and ensuring the safety of the public.
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Additional Resources
- The Augusta Press: Victim in Hephzibah Waffle House Shooting Dies, Suspect Remains at Large
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- WJBF: Man Wanted for Shooting at Augusta Waffle House, Police Say
- Google Search: Waffle House shooting Augusta 2025
- WRDW: Suspect Sought in Augusta Shooting that Left 1 Dead, 3 Injured
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- The Augusta Press: 3-Year-Old Killed, Woman Injured in Early Morning Augusta Shooting
- Google News: Augusta Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
