News Summary
A Burke County deputy was injured during a shooting at a block party in Waynesboro. The shooting occurred late Saturday night, leaving one victim in critical condition. Authorities are seeking information from witnesses while a separate investigation into other shootings in South Carolina is ongoing. This incident marks the third this year involving deputies in the Central Savannah River Area, highlighting a disturbing trend of increasing violence in the region.
Waynesboro, Georgia – A Burke County deputy was injured during a shooting incident at a block party in Waynesboro late Saturday night. The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Virginia Avenue while deputies were attempting to disperse a large crowd that had gathered for the event.
According to reports from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy was grazed by a bullet but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Two additional individuals were also impacted by the gunfire; one victim sustained at least one gunshot wound and is currently in stable condition, while the other suffered multiple wounds and is in critical condition.
A separate investigation is underway by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into two other shootings that took place on the same night at South Carolina State University. As of now, authorities are encouraging any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the Waynesboro block party shooting to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 762-225-6342.
This shooting marks the third instance this year involving a deputy in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). In recent related incidents, 23-year-old Layla Bennett was charged with murder after a shooting at an Augusta Waffle House that resulted in the death of Antoine Stokes, also aged 23. Stokes was shot on August 20 and succumbed to his injuries the following day at Wellstar MCG Hospital.
Additionally, another individual, Jalen Christopher Thomas, 26, has been charged in connection with the Waffle House incident. On the same day as the shooting in Augusta, a 3-year-old boy named Bryson Murray was killed, and a 40-year-old woman sustained injuries in a separate shooting on New Savannah Road.
Gun violence further escalated in the area with a shooting that occurred at the Augusta Mall, where 17-year-old Devon McClain lost his life. This incident stemmed from a fistfight that escalated into gunfire, leading to the detention of 16-year-old Tyric Kendarius Logan, who is facing murder charges in connection with the mall shooting. Following the incident, Augusta Mall has since returned to normal operations, with most stores reopening after an earlier lockdown.
In light of the increasing violence among youth in the CSRA, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley has urged community members to take an active role in addressing these issues. Recent developments also include the arrest of two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, in connection with a retaliatory shooting on Druid Park Avenue, which is thought to be linked to the earlier Augusta Mall shooting.
As law enforcement agencies continue their investigations, the community remains on high alert regarding the alarming trend of senseless violence affecting public safety and the well-being of its members.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Second Suspect Charged with Murder in Augusta Waffle House Shooting
- WJBF: Two Dead After Shooting at Best Buy
- WFXG: Update – 16-Year-Old Detained After Augusta Mall Shooting
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Mall Reopens After Shooting
- WJCL: Augusta Mall Shooting and Retaliation
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Augusta Mall shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- 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.
