News Summary
Richmond County deputies Victor Rodriguez and Amanda Donald have been cleared by authorities following a shootout with armed felon Dalyn Dewayne Elder after a gas station robbery. During the pursuit, Elder fired upon officers, resulting in injuries to Rodriguez. The incident has sparked discussions on law enforcement responses to armed threats and public safety. Elder, who has a history of violent crime, faces new charges including aggravated assault on law enforcement officers.
Richmond County Deputies Cleared in Shootout with Armed Felon Following Augusta Gas Station Robbery
Richmond County deputies Victor Rodriguez and Amanda Donald have been officially cleared by the Regional Force Investigation Team and District Attorney Jared Williams after a shooting incident on October 2. The incident involved 20-year-old Dalyn Dewayne Elder, identified during a pursuit following a robbery at a BP gas station on Washington Road.
A victim had reported being robbed by multiple individuals, one of whom was armed. During the pursuit of Elder, he opened fire near the Waffle House located at 2951 Washington Road. Deputy Victor Rodriguez was grazed by a bullet and sustained two shots to his torso below his bullet-resistant vest, but he returned fire during the encounter.
Following a thorough review of body camera footage and surveillance recordings, District Attorney Williams concluded that both deputies acted lawfully to address an immediate and deadly threat posed by Elder. He was described as an armed and dangerous fleeing felon who ambushed Rodriguez with clear intent to inflict serious harm or death. Sheriff Gino Brantley expressed gratitude for the deputies’ survival and for the justice upheld through this investigation. Rodriguez is currently recovering from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
Details of the Pursuit
The events unfolded rapidly after deputies arrived at the robbery scene and spotted Elder running near the Interstate 20 overpass. He fled because he believed deputies were pursuing him due to outstanding arrest warrants, a concern that would later be validated by authorities. It was discovered that he was not involved in the BP robbery itself. Elder has an extensive criminal record and was evading capture due to 11 active warrants for his arrest.
During the chase, Elder fled behind an Outback Steakhouse and fired upon a second deputy, Corporal Amanda Donald, who returned fire, striking Elder at least once in the chest. Following the shooting, Elder faces new charges that include three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Elder’s Criminal Background
Elder’s criminal history includes multiple incidents of domestic violence, aggravated assault, obstruction of law enforcement, and theft. He was recently wanted in connection with an aggravated assault case that occurred in May, alongside other robberies and criminal offenses dating back to March 2023. His cumulative actions and behavior have resulted in a heightened concern for public safety.
Investigation Continuation
Corporal Donald has been placed on administrative leave while the shooting incident is still under investigation. This inquiry is supported by members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Force Investigation Team from the GBI. Their comprehensive approach aims to ensure all facets of the encounter are fully examined as the community continues to process these events.
The incident has raised important discussions around law enforcement responses to armed threats and the safety of officers and civilians alike. The findings from the investigation may provide critical insights into the procedures followed by deputies and the dynamics of confrontations involving armed suspects.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Cafe Shooting
- WRDW: Deputies Cleared in Shootout
- WFXG: Officer-Involved Shooting
- Augusta Chronicle: Armed Robbery Charges
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA 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.
