CLAXTON, Ga. — In response to four shootings over two weeks in a Claxton neighborhood, both the mayor and a community member are expressing concerns about the rising violence.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Evans County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) are actively investigating to identify those responsible. Claxton Mayor Terry Branch, in an interview with News 3, suggested that gang-related activities might be behind these incidents.
“Whether it be gangs from here or some of the surrounding towns, all of it probably ties back to gangs. Gangs and drugs,” Mayor Branch said.
On Tuesday, remnants of violence were still present at a Church Street residence where two people were shot earlier in the month. This shooting was followed by three more incidents occurring on September 28.
“Resorting to shooting each other is incredibly distressing,” Mayor Branch stated. “It’s frustrating, and it’s only a matter of time before a life is lost.”
In response to the violence, a multi-agency effort called “You Can’t Have Claxton” was launched, which Sheriff Mac Edwards reported as effective. The initiative received positive feedback online.
According to a release, multiple arrests were made. One resident and business owner said more needs to be done to keep the community safe.
“The initiative ‘You Can’t Have Claxton’ shows a good stance, but it seems like young people are still running things. They might lack education, but they are armed and capable of obtaining whatever they want in the streets,” commented resident Duane Nunnally.
Mayor Branch said law enforcement are doing what they can to patrol the area and work together to prevent this violence. They’ve discussed more patrols, installing cameras in crime-ridden areas and investing in activities to keep juveniles in positive environments.
The sheriff’s office reported one roadblock in the investigation – uncooperative victims.
“They’ve got to be a help to law enforcement to be able to solve some of the issues that have been going on,” Branch said.
is working to learn more about this operation, the arrests made and the ages of those suspects. Sheriff Mac Edwards was not available for an on-camera interview.
