Richmond County Deputy Shoots Armed Suspect Following Home Invasion Call
AUGUSTA, Georgia – A Richmond County deputy shot and wounded an armed suspect Thursday night after responding to reports of gunfire and a home invasion in Augusta, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:34 p.m. on June 4, 2026, to the 2000 block of Edgar Street following reports of shots fired.
According to Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley, deputies learned that a man had allegedly forced entry into a residence, fired shots inside the home, and fled before law enforcement arrived. At least three people were inside the residence at the time of the incident.
A deputy later located a man matching the suspect’s description near the intersection of Wood Street and B Street.
Sheriff Brantley said the deputy issued multiple verbal commands, but the suspect, identified as 59-year-old James Lewis Jackson, allegedly pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the deputy.
The deputy then fired his service weapon, striking Jackson.
Deputies immediately rendered medical aid until emergency personnel arrived. Jackson was transported to Wellstar MCG Hospital, where authorities said he was listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene that they believe was used by Jackson.
Brantley said Jackson is a convicted felon and is expected to face multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Home Invasion, First Degree
- Aggravated Assault
In accordance with department policy, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Force Investigation Team was called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
Brantley said the independent review determined the deputy’s actions were justified and lawful.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the incident, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the review process.
Sheriff Brantley noted that deputies have encountered Jackson before. In April 2025, authorities attempted to arrest Jackson, who was wanted as a federal fugitive for probation violations tied to narcotics and weapons charges.
That incident escalated into a SWAT standoff at a residence in the 2000 block of Clark Street. Deputies deployed tear gas before Jackson was ultimately taken into custody.
During a news conference Friday, Brantley also expressed concerns about individuals experiencing mental health issues while possessing firearms, citing it as a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing.
