Augusta leaders discuss shootings at crime-troubled store

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta Commission on Tuesday talked about several crime spots, including the Smart Grocery on Wrightsboro Road.

It’s been the site of nine shootings in the past few years, two of which have been deadly, and Augusta commissioners want to send a message that this kind of violence comes with consequences.

From the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, they have received more than 2,000 calls about the Smart Grocery store, something they’re trying to help out with.

“I see what’s going on every day. One violence that has increased a lot is gun violence, I don’t know how business owners control gun violence. If you look at the victims, and the perpetrators, look at the age of the perpetrators, they are 17 and 16-year-olds,” said property owner Sai Pack.

He says he has been working with the sheriff’s office for years, even taking on the cost of extra security. Deputies work specials, acting as security three days a week, but some say it’s still not enough.

Some suggest hiring private security around the clock, but they would only be able to protect the property, not make arrests.

It’s causing some to call for deputies to be posted at the store around the clock.

Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight said: “You’ve got a lot of these people who live in these apartment complexes that are just hanging out over there. We need to cut back. We need to stop all of this and have security.”

Mayor Garnett Johnson said: “I think as a business owner you still owe it to the rest of the community to operate a safe business either inside or outside of the store. However, we still have a community to address. As you know, young black-on-black violence and crime are prevalent in our community and I think we can do a better job.”

The issue now moves to the full commission to decide whether or not to revoke or suspend their alcohol license.

Also on the agenda:

• Commission accepted the resignation of Director of Parks and Rec, Maurice McDowell.
• Commission just approved “disposing” of the property at 2163 Central Avenue; the old No. 7 Fire Station to be sold.
• The commission is moving forward on not tearing down the Boat House where the Rowing Club stores their boats, and potentially looking into a $400,000 fix on the upper space and inside units.
• Commission approved the purchase order for Diamond Lakes Scoring Towers to add an additional $154,687.75 for additional work completed. Additional funds will be taken from SPLOST 8 to address plumbing issues, vandalism, tiles, and more discovered during USSSA tournament.

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