New details are emerging about latest Augusta Mall shooting
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re learning more Monday about last week’s shooting at Augusta Mall – the second one there within a few months.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office isn’t saying much, but mall managers are.
The incident report isn’t ready, said the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, adding:
“Other than what was released, there is no further information available at this time. Due to the active investigation no interviews will be conducted.”
Shoppers plead for more security after latest shooting at Augusta Mall
Local shoppers are speaking out in the hope of tightening security after a shooting at the Augusta Mall that injured one on Thursday afternoon.
But the mall was more forthcoming about the shooting that injured one person, calling it a “targeted incident” that occurred in the Snipes store.
Snipes is described as a “retail chain with a selection of brand-name urban streetwear and sneakers for men, women and kids.”
It’s on the second floor of the mall, not far from the entrance to the outdoor shopping area.
Dispatchers said the first call came in at 3:38 p.m. Thursday to 3450 Wrightsboro Road. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Central EMS and the Augusta Fire Department responded.
What’s behind Richmond County’s alarming problem with violent crime?
For months, the news has been peppered with shooting after shooting in Richmond County. And everyday people in everyday places are becoming victims.
Once there, deputies found a male who’d been shot. He was taken to a local hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening, according to officials.
Around 4:10 p.m., several people were seen leaving the mall. Deputies were seen getting brown evidence bags out of their patrol cars.
It wasn’t the first – or even the second – shooting at the mall. In April, a gun was brandished during a verbal dispute in the food court.
Mall officials said Monday they want the public to know that shopping is safe.
Augustans rally against gun violence: ‘When does it stop?’
Between the recent shoot-out downtown, another shooting at the Augusta Mall and the murder of a teen on Friday night, some residents say enough is enough.
“We want to assure our community that we have a comprehensive security program that we constantly review and evaluate,” the mall said. “Most initiatives happen behind-the-scenes and are not visible to the public, and it is our company policy to not speak publicly about our security initiatives, as doing so could jeopardize its effectiveness.”
The mall repeated a statement that guns and “weapons of any kind” are strictly prohibited.
The mall wasn’t clear on how that’s enforced, though.
PHOTO GALLERY:
“Additionally, we have a close working relationship with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and we are thankful for their ongoing and responsiveness. For further questions, we need to direct you to Richmond County Sheriff’s Office as they are leading this investigation.”
Just after Thursday’s shooting, News 12 saw floods of people running out of the mall and a lot of frustration from shoppers looking for holiday deals.
It’s a situation many say is unforgettable, but unfortunately not surprising.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
