News Summary
In a late-night shootout in Augusta, Deputy Victor Rodriguez was injured while responding to an armed robbery at a gas station. The suspect, Dalyn Dewayne Elder, was also shot and remains in critical condition. The incident occurred after Elder fled from deputies, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. This marks the third injury to a Richmond County deputy this year, raising concerns about violent crime in the area. The investigation continues, and authorities have made additional arrests related to the robbery.
Augusta, Georgia – Deputy Injured in Late-Night Shootout
A Richmond County deputy, Victor Rodriguez, is recovering after being shot multiple times during a late-night incident on Washington Road on Thursday. The deputy was injured during a shoot-out with a gunman identified as Dalyn Dewayne Elder, who was also wounded and remains in critical condition.
The incident unfolded shortly after 12:38 a.m. when deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at a BP gas station located near Interstate 20. A victim at the scene reported being robbed at gunpoint by multiple suspects.
As deputies arrived, they identified 20-year-old Dalyn Dewayne Elder, who matched the description of the suspect. Believing that deputies were pursuing him due to multiple outstanding warrants totaling 11 in number, Elder fled the scene towards the Interstate 20 overpass. During the pursuit, he opened fire on Deputy Rodriguez near the Waffle House located at 2951 Washington Road. In the exchange of gunfire, Deputy Rodriguez was grazed once and shot twice in the torso below his bullet-resistant vest, although he managed to return fire during the altercation.
In the course of events, Elder also fired at a second deputy, Cpl. Amanda Donald, who returned fire, hitting Elder at least once in the chest. Both Deputy Rodriguez and Elder received medical treatment at Wellstar MCG following the shooting. Deputy Rodriguez is currently reported to be in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery, while Elder remains in critical condition.
This shooting marks the third time a Richmond County deputy has been injured in the line of duty this year. Local officials, including Governor Brian Kemp, have expressed their support for Deputy Rodriguez and have urged the community to pray for his recovery. Other officials, such as Rep. Rick Allen and Attorney General Chris Carr, have echoed sentiments of hope and encouragement.
According to Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley, Deputy Rodriguez is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to work. However, the sheriff raised concerns about the spike in violent crime, which has prompted community anxiety regarding safety. Despite these concerns, Sheriff Brantley noted that overall crime rates are reported to be down, although this statistic could not be verified immediately.
The investigation into the shooting has prompted administrative leave for Cpl. Donald as authorities evaluate the use of force involved in the incident. Further examination has revealed that the handgun utilized by Elder during the encounter was reported stolen, and he was found to be in possession of drugs at the time of the shooting.
In connection with the earlier armed robbery, authorities have arrested DaShon Hunt, charging him with robbery by force. Meanwhile, two additional suspects involved in the robbery remain at large. The investigation continues as officers seek to ensure accountability and restore a sense of safety in the community.
Dalyn Elder has a significant criminal history that includes previous incidents of domestic violence and multiple warrants, including ones for aggravated assault. Recent charges against him further include fleeing from law enforcement and related firearm offenses, contributing to a community concern for public safety amid this incident.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Deputy Injured in Augusta Shoot-Out
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WYFF: Deputy Shot in Augusta Shoot-Out
- Google Search: Shootout Augusta
- WJBF: Deputy Shot in Augusta, Suspects Arrested
- Google Scholar: Police Shooting Augusta
- WRDW: Deputy Hurt in Officer-Involved Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Rates
- WRDW: Details on Shooting from Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
- 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.
