Breaking: Two suspects loose; one dead after Augusta Mall shooting

Leanne Dudash | News Editor

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one person was killed on Tuesday afternoon in a shooting at the Augusta Mall.

The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Devon McClain, who was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting took place.

Earlier Tuesday, an “active shooter” was reported at the shopping center after an argument resulted in a gun being drawn.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley, after speaking at a news conference this afternoon, described the shooting as more of a fight that escalated too far.

Brantley also stated that the shooting occurred on the bottom floor of the mall, near the escalators.

The Sheriff’s Office announced that two suspects are in custody, while two more remain at large.

One suspect was taken into custody at the mall, while another was caught running toward a nearby gas station.

“Mall security played a huge role in us apprehending two of the suspects involved... the video (security footage) allowed us to respond quickly,” announced Brantley.

The mall is expected to be back to normal business hours on Wednesday. Civilians are advised to avoid the area, as the police presence remains heavy. Students traveling to campus should look for alternative routes that avoid the mall.

Deputies are clearing the mall store by store, searching for suspects or any additional injuries. “This process will take a while, so we thank you for your patience and cooperation in advance,” the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office stated.

Police hope to uncover more information as the investigation continues.

Contact Leanne Dudash at ldudash@augusta.edu

The parking lot of the Augusta Mall sits vacant, as the mall is closed for police investigations. Photo by Leanne Dudash