Brantley Announces Curfew Crackdown After Sunday Night Violence in Harrisburg

Brantley Announces Curfew Crackdown After Sunday Night Violence in Harrisburg

AUGUSTA, GA — Richmond County Sheriff Gino Brantley says a sweeping curfew crackdown will begin immediately after gunfire erupted in the Harrisburg neighborhood on Sunday night, leaving two teenagers injured and five others in custody.

Timeline of the Incident

• 7:41 p.m. — Multiple 911 Calls: Dispatchers received frantic reports of shots fired near Crawford Avenue, with callers describing armed juveniles and at least one wounded teen.
• Deputies Arrive: Responding units located a 16-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Wellstar Emergency Room and is listed in stable condition. A second juvenile with a leg laceration was also taken for treatment.
• Continued Gunfire: Even after deputies arrived, additional gunshots rang out, prompting a tactical escalation. Specialized RCSO units, along with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University Police, moved in to secure a perimeter stretching from Crawford Avenue to Greene Street.
• 9:30 p.m. — All-Clear Issued: The public alert to avoid the area was lifted once officers determined there was no ongoing threat.

Five male juveniles were detained at the scene. Investigators have not yet disclosed what led to the altercation or whether any of the detained teens will face charges. The case remains active, and additional details are expected in the coming days.

Curfew Enforcement & Community Response

At a Monday press briefing, Sheriff Brantley said Sunday night’s violence is “unacceptable” and pledged immediate enforcement of the county’s existing juvenile curfew:

“We will have zero tolerance for roving groups of armed juveniles, especially after nightfall. Parents and guardians bear responsibility, too. If a minor is out past curfew and involved in criminal activity, we will hold the entire household accountable.”

Key points from Brantley’s announcement:

• Expanded Patrols: Additional deputies will be assigned to Harrisburg and adjacent neighborhoods every evening for the foreseeable future.
• Strict Curfew Checks: Deputies will actively stop and question any unaccompanied minor on the streets after designated hours. Repeat violations may trigger parental citations.
• Partnerships & Prevention: Brantley referenced a recent roundtable with juvenile authorities, judges, and community leaders aimed at launching “multi-pronged strategies focused on intervention, accountability, and support.” Plans include mentoring programs, job-skill workshops, and expanded recreational activities to keep teens engaged and off the streets.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives are still piecing together the full sequence of events, including who fired the shots and whether additional suspects remain at large. Anyone with information, doorbell video, or eyewitness accounts is urged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers at 706-724-TIPS (8477).

As the neighborhood of Harrisburg grapples with another night marred by gun violence, residents and officials alike are hoping that stricter curfew enforcement—combined with community-driven support—will curb further bloodshed and give young people safer paths forward.