AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A quiet Friday afternoon in an Augusta neighborhood turned violent when a man was shot twice after confronting three men who had allegedly damaged his property with motorcycles and a four-wheeler. According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Corinth Drive, and the victim was left with gunshot wounds to both thighs.
Deputies responded to an aggravated assault call and upon arriving, found the victim wounded but conscious. He told officers he had just returned home when he noticed three unknown individuals riding recklessly on his property, churning up his driveway with motorbikes and an ATV.
Frustrated and concerned about the damage, the homeowner reportedly exited his vehicle to confront the trespassers. It was then that one of the individuals pulled out a weapon and shot him twice—once in each thigh. The suspects fled the scene immediately, leaving the victim injured in his own driveway.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating and asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects, who are currently considered armed and dangerous. No arrests have been made as of yet, and the names of the suspects remain unknown.
Suspects Still at Large
Authorities have released a warning to residents in the area to remain vigilant. While specific descriptions of the suspects have not been made public, officials say they are following several leads and urge anyone with surveillance footage from the area or knowledge of individuals riding off-road vehicles in the vicinity around the time of the incident to come forward.
The Sheriff’s Office has also confirmed that the case is being treated as both an attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault. It’s unclear at this point whether the confrontation escalated into attempted robbery or whether the suspects had intended to inflict harm from the outset.
Community Reaction
Residents of the neighborhood expressed shock and concern over the incident. Corinth Drive is typically a quiet, residential street, and neighbors say such violence is out of character for the area.
“I’ve lived here for over 15 years, and we’ve never had anything like this happen,” said local resident Marsha Tilman. “Kids ride bikes, people walk their dogs—it’s usually peaceful. This has everyone on edge.”
Another neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, mentioned seeing off-road vehicles in the area earlier in the day but didn’t think much of it at the time. “You don’t expect someone to get shot for telling people to respect private property,” they said.
Ongoing Concerns About Off-Road Vehicles
This incident has reignited conversations around the use of off-road vehicles like dirt bikes and ATVs in residential areas. While some residents see it as harmless fun, others argue that it’s not only a nuisance but increasingly dangerous.
“People don’t realize how damaging and risky this kind of behavior can be,” said Deputy Marshal Steven Curtis. “These aren’t just noisy machines—they can tear up lawns, block traffic, and now, apparently, lead to violent altercations.”
Curtis added that the Sheriff’s Office has received an uptick in complaints related to unauthorized use of off-road vehicles on private property.
Victim Recovering, Investigation Continues
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. Hospital staff reported that he remained stable overnight and is expected to make a full recovery.
In a brief statement, a representative from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said, “We are pursuing every lead and encouraging anyone who may have seen these individuals riding motorcycles or a four-wheeler in the area to contact us. This kind of violence will not be tolerated.”
Tips can be submitted anonymously via the sheriff’s office tip line or online portal.
Other Local Incidents on the Rise
This shooting incident comes on the heels of another act of violence in the area. Earlier that same day, an EMS worker and a deputy were injured during an altercation with a patient they were transporting to the hospital. The patient reportedly became aggressive mid-transport, requiring both the EMS crew and law enforcement to intervene. Though the injuries were minor, the escalation added to concerns about rising tensions and public safety throughout the county.
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