Two people were shot late Saturday night during a fight at The Finish Line Café on Wrightsboro Road, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the shooting happened around 11 p.m. at the Augusta bar, located at 3960 Wrightsboro Road. Both the Richmond County and Columbia County Sheriff’s Offices responded to reports of a fight with gunfire and two individuals down.
When deputies arrived, one victim had already been taken to the hospital by a friend. The other was found at the scene, where Deputy Nicholas McGruder immediately applied a tourniquet and provided lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Both victims were taken to the hospital and are being detained as investigators work to determine what led to the gunfire.
Authorities said the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office provided quick assistance in the response. “The strong working relationship between the two agencies continues to enhance public safety throughout the CSRA,” Richmond County officials said.
The Finish Line Café posted on Facebook shortly after the incident, confirming the shooting but assuring customers that the staff was safe.
“Yes there was a shooting, all of the staff and our regulars are okay,” the business posted on the bar’s page. “We’re unsure who it was but are working with police to figure it out.”
But one customer said the chaos left her injured. “I was knocked down and over 75 people stepped on me on the way out the door,” wrote Hope Albea. “Not all of your regulars are okay. At hospital now to see about my leg.”
The business responded to her comment with an apology, saying, “I’m so sorry! Please update us. I should have worded it better. I meant all of our regulars kept their lives and we’re all so grateful for that. We’ll keep you in our prayers, Hope!”
Another customer, Lynn Dianna Hill Widener, described the terror inside the bar when gunfire erupted. “I was there, omg, not even funny. One was shot in leg. I’m just glad everyone’s safe,” she wrote. “Several gunshots went off … getting on the floor scared the hell out of me.”
The investigation into the shooting remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
