A deadly robbery at a Lumpkin Road store on Friday night has led to the quick arrest of one suspect, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office .
Deputies responded to the Smoke Shop at 2303 Lumpkin Road around 9:30 p.m. Friday after reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they found an employee of the Augusta store with a gunshot wound.
Despite efforts to stabilize the victim, paramedics transported them to the hospital, where they were later pronounced dead at 7:35 a.m. Saturday. He was identified as 29-year-old Abdallah Abu Rubeha of Augusta, who is originally from Amman, Jordan.
Within hours, sheriff’s investigators were able to issue an alert for three suspects and their vehicle. After tracing the vehicle’s registered owner to Waynesboro, deputies learned that the Burke County Sheriff’s Office had already been involved in a vehicle pursuit related to the case. The pursuit ended in a foot chase, during which one of the suspects was apprehended. Deputies recovered a handgun believed to be used in the crime, as well as stolen items linked to the robbery, according to authorities.
RCSO officials have since obtained warrants for 22-year-old Terrance Remon Walker on charges of felony aggravated assault, felony armed robbery, and weapon possession. Additional charges are expected for Walker and two other suspects since the victim died.
This marks Richmond County’s third homicide of the year, with the other two occurring in broad daylight on Tuesday and Wednesday. The suspects in those cases have been arrested.
Sheriff Gino Brantley praised the swift actions of his deputies and partner agencies.
“We are committed to reducing crime and quickly bringing offenders to justice. This arrest was made possible by strong teamwork across jurisdictions, particularly with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.
Sheriff Brantley also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, noting the efforts of neighboring counties like Columbia, Burke, and Aiken, which help bolster safety across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
While expressing his condolences to the victim’s family, Sheriff Brantley reaffirmed the RCSO’s dedication to justice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams also praised the joint investigation, saying, “This joint investigation exemplifies the progress we have made in breaking down barriers between our departments and highlights the new administration’s commitment to collaboration and effective law enforcement. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time, and our prayers are with them and all law enforcement personnel as we continue to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts.”
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and pursue the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, the victim was being mourned from across the world, with one Facebook friend saying, “There is no might nor power except with Allah the most high and great. Sharing a condolence. My dear friend and neighbor Abdullah Ahmed Mohammed Abu Arbiha has passed away. The effect of a tragic accident in the United States of America. May Allah have mercy on you, forgive you and compensate your family their calamity and leave them with something better than it.”
Anyone with additional information about the case is urged to contact the RCSO Criminal Investigative Division at 706-821-1020 or email the Public Information Officer at PIO@AugustaGa.Gov.
