Augusta leaders, sheriff's office discuss next steps to reduce downtown crime

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – On Saturday afternoon, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree held a press conference regarding a shooting that occurred earlier in the morning at Broad and 10th streets.

He said the county will now receive more support from Georgia State Patrol troopers.

“I cannot stress the extent of the immediate intervention by our MPs,” he said. “There is no doubt that without rapid and heroic efforts to neutralize the heavily armed gunmen, the risk of mass loss of life was extremely great. »

The sheriff said that shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday morning, special agents were working at a nightclub on Broad Street when they heard gunshots coming from the neighborhood.

They said two men opened fire with assault rifles in the middle of a crowded sidewalk.

Two victims were shot. The officers returned fire and hit one of the armed men at least once. He was taken to hospital with the victims, who are expected to be OK.

“We are trying to identify how many other suspects were involved in the shooting,” Sheriff Roundtree said.

He said he responded immediately after hearing about the shooting and contacted the governor's office and the Georgia State Patrol.

“They have graciously offered any support this summer to bolster the presence of deputies and troopers in Richmond County throughout the summer,” he said.

The sheriff, along with other local leaders, emphasize that downtown Augusta is a safe place.

“Our downtown is a safe neighborhood. However, I am extremely disappointed with the level of violence and the level of lawlessness that is occurring in our downtown late at night,” said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson. “I’ve seen the videos, I’ve heard the stories, I’ve heard from the business owners downtown. It is time for us to act now.

District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson said plans are underway to reduce crime in the area.

“We just had a meeting last week with downtown business owners and residents about downtown and their concerns. So communication is happening, but we need to focus on solutions” , did he declare. “There will be conversations within the Augusta Commission to discuss whether or not we need to put programs in place to help the Sheriff's Office, if that means putting a curfew in place for minors in the center -city of Augusta, regardless, all options are on the table and we're going to have these conversations starting Monday morning.

The officers involved are on paid leave and the case has been forwarded to the GBI.

The names of the suspects and their motive have not been released.

If you witnessed the shooting or have footage of it, you are urged to contact the Sheriff's Office or the GBI.