AUGUSTA, Ga. — A devastating act of violence unfolded Sunday evening in Augusta, Georgia, when gunfire erupted in the parking lot of an Advance Auto Parts store near the intersection of Meadowbrook Drive and Deans Bridge Road. The incident, which occurred during what appeared to be a routine evening, left at least one person dead and multiple others injured, including a child, according to early reports.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has confirmed one fatality, though the identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as customers and bystanders scrambled for cover when shots rang out around the busy commercial intersection.
While the total number of injured has not been officially confirmed, preliminary information suggests at least four individuals were struck by gunfire. Emergency medical services responded quickly, providing aid on the scene before transporting the wounded to area hospitals. The condition of the surviving victims remains unknown at this time.
Shortly after the shooting, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety alert, warning residents to avoid the area. Deputies, investigators, and crime scene technicians responded en masse, cordoning off the crime scene and launching a full-scale investigation.
“The Sheriff’s Office is currently in the area of Meadowbrook Drive for an active situation. We’re asking for everyone to avoid the area while this investigation continues,” the department stated in a social media post.
The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, and no suspects have been named or taken into custody as of late Sunday night. Law enforcement is actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying those responsible.
The Advance Auto Parts store and surrounding area remain closed off as the investigation continues into the night, with authorities urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward. The Sheriff’s Office has also asked for anyone with surveillance video from nearby properties to submit it for review.
This incident has shaken the Meadowbrook Drive community, with residents expressing concern over the rise in violence and the safety of their neighborhoods. The inclusion of a child among the injured has only deepened the collective heartbreak.
As Augusta grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, officials are promising a thorough investigation and increased patrols in the area to ensure public safety.
This is a developing story, and more information will be released by authorities as it becomes available.