AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a now deadly shooting at the Augusta Mall on Tuesday.
911 received calls of a shooting at the mall around 1:15 p.m.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, one male victim was shot. Two individuals are currently in custody. One was apprehended on mall property and another while heading toward a nearby gas station.
Richmond County Deputies reportedly cleared stores one-by-one to look for anyone still inside hiding, or possibly having a medical emergency.
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley stated during a press conference Tuesday afternoon that the incident began as fight on the lower level that escalated after a gun was drawn and fired.
Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen has been called to a local hospital in reference to the shooting. Sheriff Brantley confirms that the victim has died. He has been identified as 17-year-old Devon McClain of Augusta.
“Today’s incident is yet another reminder of how quickly senseless violence can turn deadly,” said Sheriff Brantley. “While we cannot prevent every bad act, we will always respond with speed, professionalism, and determination to keep our community safe. Violence has no place in Augusta, and together with our partners and citizens, we will continue working every day to stop it before it starts.”
The GBI, FBI, Richmond County School District, Augusta Fire, and ATF are involved in the investigation.
Rhonda Lovett was in Macys when she tells us she heard three gunshots, “I was inside of Macy’s purchasing some perfume. That’s when I heard three shots coming from, not inside Macy’s but inside the mall. And I saw everyone running and that’s when I ran to get out. They need some more security control or something. Definitely a shocker.”
The mall is closed until further notice, so authorities are urging the public to stay away from the mall at this time if you don’t need to be in this area.
A spokesperson for the Augusta Mall released the following statement:
First, we want to address reports regarding an incident that occurred at Augusta Mall this afternoon. The incident involved a dispute between a few individuals, and it was not a random act of violence or an active shooter situation. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department who responded immediately, and the situation was contained quickly.
In addition, we would like to stress that Augusta Mall is private property and firearms are strictly prohibited. The safety of our shoppers, employees and community remains our top priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue their investigation. For further information, please direct your questions to our partners at the Sherrif’s Department.
This is a developing story. Count on WJBF NewsChannel 6 for more information as it becomes available.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
