AUGUSTA, Ga. — A tense standoff in south Augusta came to a peaceful resolution Tuesday evening after the Richmond County SWAT team responded to reports of an armed barricaded suspect near Mike Padgett Highway and Wylie Drive.

The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office located 33-year-old Mason Meeks, who was wanted on one felony and five misdemeanor warrants. According to officials, Meeks fled into a residence upon spotting law enforcement officers, initiating a multi-agency response.

Richmond County deputies quickly arrived on the scene and established a perimeter around the home. Authorities confirmed that Meeks was seen holding a handgun, though he did not point it at officers or make any overt threats during the early stages of the standoff.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Richmond County SWAT team was activated around 3:15 p.m. Wylie Drive was shut down in both directions, and residents were urged to avoid the area while negotiations and tactical efforts continued.

After several hours of dialogue and careful coordination, officials say Meeks surrendered peacefully to law enforcement without incident. No injuries were reported, and the neighborhood was reopened once the situation was deemed secure.

Charges against Meeks are pending, and officials have not yet released additional details regarding the nature of the warrants.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office credited the peaceful resolution to the coordinated efforts between agencies and the professionalism of the SWAT team.