Juvenile Gunfire Incident Prompts Safety Alert in Augusta’s Harrisburg Area
AUGUSTA, GA — A public safety alert was issued Sunday afternoon by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office following reports of gunfire involving teenagers in the Harrisburg neighborhood.
At approximately 7:41 p.m., Richmond County 911 received multiple calls reporting shots fired near Crawford Avenue and Greene Street. Callers described several armed juveniles, with at least one individual reportedly injured by gunfire.
Deputies responded promptly and discovered a 16-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The teen was transported to Wellstar Emergency Room, where officials later confirmed he was in stable condition.
Despite the swift response, additional gunfire was reported after deputies arrived on the scene. This escalation led to requests for backup from specialized units within the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, as well as assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University Police Department.
Law enforcement secured the area, which included Crawford Avenue, Greene Street, and several surrounding side streets. During the operation, five male juveniles were detained in connection with the incident. One detainee sustained a leg laceration and was also treated at Wellstar ER.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office lifted the safety alert at 9:30 p.m.
Sheriff Gino Brantley emphasized the ongoing challenge of juvenile violence in the community and underscored the need for comprehensive intervention strategies. “It’s clear we must do more to help guide our teenagers onto a better path,” Brantley stated. He noted that a recent meeting was held with juvenile authorities, judges, and community partners to develop multi-pronged approaches focusing on intervention, accountability, and support.
Brantley also reiterated the strict enforcement of the curfew for individuals under 18, including the establishment of a designated intake area for curfew violators, who will remain there until picked up by a parent or guardian.
The sheriff expressed gratitude to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University Police Department for their assistance, highlighting that their support was crucial in safely detaining suspects, recovering evidence, and preventing any loss of life.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have pledged to release additional details as they become available.
