AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a shooting in the Harrisburg neighborhood in Augusta late Sunday night.
The shooting, involving multiple teenagers, ended with 2 going to the hospital and 5 in handcuffs.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and those living here say action needs to be taken to reach the youth, and keep the community safe.
The Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Augusta University Police Department, swiftly responded to the shooting incident which took place around 8 PM near the intersection of Greene Street and Crawford Avenue.
Phillip Williams is president of the neighborhood association.
“I think this is completely unexpected. If you asked me 12 years ago, I might have said it was typical, but over the past decade or so, there’s been tremendous positive change,” explained Williams. “We’ve seen significant improvements, with many property owners investing heavily into their properties and the Kroc Center’s remarkable contributions to the area.”
Investigators say a 16-year-old was taken to the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.
Deputies detained 5 teenagers, with a 17-year-old and a 14-year-old charged with aggravated assault.
Stephen Story serves as pastor for nearby Crawford Avenue Baptist Church.
“This church has stood here for a long time. Our mission is to serve the local community and offer them the hope of the gospel. Incidents like this reinforce our purpose for being here,” stated Story.
Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard says the Sheriff has been looking at solutions to help with youth violence since he took office—and those conversations are ongoing.
“He’s been meeting with preachers, youth organizations,” said Blanchard. “There’s a group that does outreach programs and things of that nature. We’re looking at doing nighttime basketball, we have the citizen’s youth police academy coming up. So, we’re doing everything we can to reach our youth so that we’re not dealing with these situations.”
Like the Sheriff’s Office, Williams is also talking about solutions.
“This is not a racial issue in any way—it’s a cultural issue,” Williams said. “You’ve got to reach them really early, and show them by your actions how to deal with conflict without violence. They have to learn that life on the streets is a dead end, and it’s going to take a tremendous amount of effort on the part of the community.”
“The school year is ending, summer is here so there’s always the question about what my kids are going to do. We have our annual sports camp here to connect with kids and invite them into the church, and hopefully this week is an opportunity to do that,” said Story.
In the meantime, he and Story say the Harrisburg neighborhood is a safe place.
“We meet here every Sunday for worship, we’re here throughout the week, and we take prudent steps to look out for our safety. We feel safe here, we love being in this community, and love this neighborhood,” Story said.
“Crime is way, way down from what it used to be. I think Harrisburg is an economic opportunity for any number of people—particularly young professionals.”
Sheriff Eugene Brantley says following this incident, the curfew for young people under 18 will be strictly enforced.
They’re also continuing to talk about other ways to reach the youth as the summer continues.
The Sheriff’s Office will have a community meet and greet with Sheriff Eugene Brantley from 10 AM to 12 PM at May Park.
