What led to hourslong south Augusta SWAT standoff?
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An armed standoff in south Augusta ended peacefully Tuesday afternoon after more than two tense hours.
The drama began around 2:30 p.m. when the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was actively searching for a wanted person in the 1900 block of Wylie Drive off Mike Padgett Highway and north of Interstate 520 in south Augusta. Authorities saw him and ed the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction at the location.
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Richmond County deputies responded and saw the suspect, 33-year-old Mason Meeks, in the yard and in possession of a handgun, according to deputies.
As deputies approached, Meeks ran toward the residence, authorities said.
Although deputies saw he was armed, he never pointed or raised the weapon toward law enforcement, according to authorities.
Due to the circumstances and the presence of two females inside the home, Richmond County SWAT Team was sent in around 3:15 p.m.
Out of an abundance of caution, nearby homes, observers and businesses were evacuated.
SWAT commanders and negotiators tried to establish direct with Meeks and also reached out to his parents.
Although direct phone could not be made, negotiators communicated through the public address system.
PHOTO GALLERY: SOUTH AUGUSTA SWAT STANDOFF
Armed officers lined the narrow street with their guns drawn as the situation unfolded in the neighborhood of small wood-sided homes off a stretch of highway that’s dominated by industrial and mechanical businesses.
At 3:37 p.m., the two females left the home safely, but officers kept their guns trained on the residence.
Shortly after, at 3:47 p.m., the sheriff’s robot was deployed and successfully breached a side door.
Meeks was given additional opportunities to surrender, and at 3:58 p.m., he exited the residence with his hands in the air.
He was taken into custody without incident.
According to Richmond County jail bookings, Meeks is charged with five misdemeanor shoplifting charges and one felony shoplifting charge.
The sheriff’s office says additional charges could be pending.
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The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it was grateful to Dick Smith Auto Sales for opening its business to provide air-conditioned shelter for several elderly residents who were evacuated, and to the many of the community who offered water and to the deputies on the scene.
“This is what it’s all about — when a community comes together,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.
Neighbors say the street is normally quiet — but the peace is now shattered.
Michael Nelson was among the neighbors on edge while the situation unfolded.
“I just came out because I heard the truck stalling and I thought it was the garbage truck having issues,” Nelson says. “But it was going on for a while, so I thought what is going on. I looked outside and saw the bomb unit. I was totally off guard.”
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