Harrisburg Neighborhood Shooting Leaves Two Juveniles Injured, Prompts Curfew Crackdown and Arrests

Harrisburg Neighborhood Shooting Leaves Two Juveniles Injured, Prompts Curfew Crackdown and Arrests

RICHMOND COUNTY, GA — A violent outbreak in the Harrisburg neighborhood Sunday evening left two juveniles injured, five detained, and prompted a renewed focus on curbing juvenile crime, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began around 7:41 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, when Richmond County 911 received several calls reporting gunfire in the area of Crawford Avenue. Callers indicated multiple juveniles were armed and that someone had been shot. Deputies arrived quickly on the scene and confirmed the reports.

Zihron Wright, a juvenile, was found with a gunshot wound to the left thigh. He was transported to Wellstar Emergency Room, where he was reported in stable condition. A second juvenile was also treated for a leg laceration.

As officers worked to secure the scene, additional gunfire erupted nearby, prompting emergency backup from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University Police. The public was asked to avoid Crawford Avenue, Greene Street, and surrounding side streets. The lockdown was lifted at 9:30 p.m. after the situation was brought under control.

Arrests and Charges

Five male juveniles were detained in connection with the shooting. Among them, two have been formally arrested and charged:

• Devon McClain, 17, of the 3600 block of London Boulevard, has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He was found carrying a 10mm handgun at the time of his arrest and is currently being held at the Regional County Jail (RCJ).
• Tiantrec Freeman, 14, of the 1500 block of Verdery Street, has also been charged with aggravated assault. He is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC).

Both suspects attempted to flee the scene after the shooting. One reportedly asked for legal counsel upon arrest, while the other claimed to have simply fled upon hearing gunshots.

Sheriff Announces Curfew Enforcement and Youth Intervention Plan

In a statement released early Monday morning, Sheriff Gino Brantley addressed the growing concern over youth-involved violence and announced a county-wide crackdown on juvenile curfew enforcement.

Under the new measures, any person under 18 years of age found out past curfew without a legal guardian will be taken to a designated intake area, where they must remain until picked up by a parent or guardian.

“This weekend’s events are deeply troubling,” said Sheriff Brantley. “We’re not only talking about gun violence—we’re talking about kids hurting other kids. That cannot become normal in our community.”

Sheriff Brantley also emphasized that a collaborative strategy is underway involving juvenile justice authorities, local judges, and community stakeholders. “We’re developing long-term solutions focused on prevention, accountability, and real support for our youth,” he said.

Community Urged to Help

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward.

“This could have ended much worse,” Brantley added. “We’re fortunate no lives were lost, and that’s due in part to the swift response from our deputies and support from partnering agencies. Now, we must work together to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”