AUGUSTA, Ga. — A tragic and violent shooting on Sunday afternoon has left a 14-year-old boy dead and three others wounded, sending shockwaves through the Augusta community and prompting a major law enforcement response.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road, involving two separate locations: the parking lot of an Advance Auto Parts store and a nearby Texaco gas station. According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, four individuals were shot in total.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the deceased as 14-year-old Deandre Howell, who was struck by gunfire outside Advance Auto Parts and pronounced dead at the scene at 6:05 p.m. He had reportedly suffered at least one gunshot wound.
Authorities revealed that two of the victims were shot near the Advance Auto Parts location, while two others were struck at the Texaco station. In a related incident, a vehicle was also fired upon and later stopped in a nearby parking lot.
Although the identities of the remaining victims have not been disclosed, multiple witnesses reported that the individuals involved may be associated with a local group of teenagers known as the “Water Boys”—youths frequently seen selling bottled water to drivers in the area.
During a press briefing at the scene, Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard confirmed that multiple suspects have been apprehended, but at least one suspect remains at large. “We are still actively searching for individuals involved. One suspect fled on foot into a backyard,” Blanchard stated.
As the manhunt continues, the Meadowbrook area has been fully locked down, with roads closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Law enforcement from surrounding agencies, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, are assisting in the response. Drones are being deployed to aid in aerial surveillance and search efforts.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson was also present at the scene, receiving updates from law enforcement officials and surveying the developing investigation.
“This is a very active and ongoing situation,” said Blanchard. “We are urging all residents to avoid the Meadowbrook area while our officers complete their work.”
So far, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no further details about the surviving victims have been shared publicly. Authorities have assured the public that more information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant information is strongly urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office immediately as they continue their search for remaining suspects and seek to piece together the full circumstances of the tragic event.
The loss of young Deandre Howell has left the community in mourning, and officials have emphasized the need for public cooperation to bring accountability and healing in the aftermath of the senseless violence.