One Dead After Fight at Augusta Mall Leads to Shooting
A fistfight turned deadly Tuesday, and one person was arrested at the mall, while another was captured fleeing at a nearby gas station, officials said.
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A fight between multiple individuals at the Augusta Mall turned deadly Tuesday, as one person sustained a fatal gunshot would.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office confirmed reports of an active shooter situation at the mall at 1:15 p.m.
RCSO said multiple 911 calls came in about a shooting, and multiple units were on scene within 90 seconds. Security cameras confirmed the fistfight starting the incident with the individuals.
"Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim who had been shot," RCSO said in a release. "A Marshal’s deputy immediately began CPR while RCSO units secured entrances and exits to ensure those leaving the mall were checked before exiting the property."
Initial reports said there were up to three victims in the shooting, but officials confirmed just one shooting victim, and two other individuals sustained "unrelated minor medical issues."
One person was arrested at the mall, while another was captured fleeing at a nearby gas station, officials said.
"The RCSO Incident Commander distributed photos via text and email to all responding units and agencies, maintaining constant communication with commanders throughout the incident. The RCSO SWAT Team secured the perimeter and cleared parking lots and vehicles, while the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, working with an RCSO liaison, systematically cleared all interior hallways, bathrooms, and businesses inside the mall."
Multiple agencies assisted in the incident, including the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, mall security, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others.
“Today’s incident is yet another reminder of how quickly senseless violence can turn deadly," Sheriff Eugene Brantley said. "While we cannot prevent every bad act, we will always respond with speed, professionalism, and determination to keep our community safe. Violence has no place in Augusta, and together with our partners and citizens, we will continue working every day to stop it before it starts.”
