Two juveniles were injured, five were detained, and a curfew crackdown was announced following a Sunday night shooting in the Harrisburg neighborhood, according to an update released by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 7:41 p.m. when Richmond County 911 received multiple calls reporting gunfire in the Crawford Avenue area. Callers said several armed juveniles were involved and that at least one person had been shot, identified as
Zihron Wright. He was shot in the left thigh.
Wright was transported to Wellstar Emergency Room in stable condition. A second juvenile with a leg laceration was also taken to the hospital.
Despite the swift response, deputies reported hearing more gunfire after they arrived, prompting additional support from specialized RCSO units, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Augusta University Police. The public was advised to avoid the area, including Crawford Avenue, Greene Street, and surrounding side streets. That alert was lifted at 9:30 p.m.
Five male juveniles were detained in connection with the shootings.
Two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with an assault, one adult and one juvenile. Devon McClain, a 17-year-old from the 3600 block of London Boulevard, has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He is currently being held at the Regional County Jail (RCJ).
Tiantrec Freeman, a 14-year-old from the 1500 block of Verdery Street, has also been charged with aggravated assault and is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC). A photo of Freeman is not available.
Authorities say both teens were apprehended after fleeing, with McClain being found in possession of a 10mm handgun.
Once in custody, one asked for attorney and the other claimed that he heard gunshots and ran.
In response to the violence, Sheriff Gino Brantley said efforts to address juvenile crime are underway. He cited a recent meeting with juvenile authorities, judges, and community partners to create “multi-pronged strategies focused on intervention, accountability, and support.”
In a 1:30 a.m. update Monday, Sheriff Brantley also said the county’s curfew for individuals under 18 will be strictly enforced. A designated intake area will be established where curfew violators will remain until picked up by a parent or guardian.
He extended thanks to assisting agencies, stating their support “helped ensure that suspects were safely detained, evidence was recovered, and—most importantly—no lives were lost.”
