AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- A Richmond County Sheriff’s deputy was shot early Thursday morning while responding to a call for an armed robbery.

In the early hours of Thursday, at around 12:45 a.m., deputies were called to a robbery at the BP gas station on Washington Road. The victim, Ricardo Clay, provided details to the officers, prompting a search for several suspects.

“He provided suspect descriptions, including one black male in a black hoodie armed with a handgun,” said Sheriff Gino Brantley.

Deputy Victor Rodriguez observed a man, matching a suspect’s description, running towards the Waffle House. This individual, named Dalyn Elder, opened fire on Deputy Rodriguez with a gun that had been reported stolen.

“Despite being hit twice in the left lower torso and grazed once, Deputy Rodriguez continued to communicate information and returned fire,” stated Sheriff Brantley.

Elder was not part of the robbery, though Sheriff Brantley believes he had reasons for running.

“We suspect that Elders acted this way because he had 11 outstanding warrants, including those for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm and drugs, and he might have thought we were pursuing him for these violations.”

Elder, who had been linked to a shooting on Central Avenue in May, was shot by Corporal Amanda Donald. He is now in critical condition at Wellstar MCG. Corporal Donald has been placed on administrative leave while the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office conducts an investigation.

“One robbery suspect located was Dashon Thomas Hunt, who was arrested for robbery by force,” said Sheriff Brantley.

Thursday afternoon deputies arrested two more suspects, 17-year-old Ashton Wimberly and 28-year-old Donte White.

Deputy Rodriguez is stable and expected to make a full recovery.

Photojournalists: Dania Alawir and Reggie Mackie.