Recently, the county witnessed a significant escalation in violence, starting with a fatal shooting at a Sunoco gas station. This incident sparked a series of retaliatory shootings, leaving three additional individuals injured. Sheriff Alfonzo Williams expressed his determination to halt these violent acts.
The sheriff described the aftermath of a recent shooting as particularly shocking. “I’ve handled numerous violent crime cases, and it’s rare that something stands out to me. But this was severe. Someone fired over 30 rounds into an apartment where four people were gathered, making it resemble a war zone,” Sheriff Williams remarked.
Speaking with NewsChannel 6, Sheriff Williams highlighted that gang members are often young, ranging from 12 to 24 years old. These individuals can initiate violence over trivial matters, such as a simple glance exchanged between them.
After Sunday’s shooting on A street at East 8th Street where three people were injured, the Sheriff’s Office and the Waynesboro Police Department launched a campaign, increasing patrol and warrants across the county hoping to stop the violence before it happens.
“It’s just something that we’re not going to tolerate. I mean, this is unacceptable. Yes, ma’am. And we’re going on and we’re going to stay on top,” explained Chief Willie Burley. “It’s not going to be…we’re not going to just lie down on it. We’re not going to lie down and take it and take this lightly. And we want the person and persons involved in doing this to know that we are and we will bring this to an end.”
Both Sheriff Williams and Chief Burley said that the gang activity is caused by a combination of a lack of parenting and irresponsible gun owners. Gang members are looking for unlocked vehicles with guns inside, stealing them and selling them, or using them in violent crimes. They explained that it makes it easy for these gangs to commit violent crimes using stolen firearms.
“These are kids who are left to their own guise. The kids who do not have the proper parental supervision,” Sheriff Williams said .
“Put these guns down. Just remember, a gun does not solve anything. A gun creates. It creates problems. It hurts families,” added Chief Burley.
One Burke County woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told NewsChannel 6 that she and her children witnessed a drive-by shooting while standing at the school bus stop one morning in October.
She said it was still dark outside and she notices a car slowed down in front of a house down the street, which made her nervous. That’s when she said they opened fire on the house.
She said she and her children hid immediately as the car stopped at a second house, opening fire again before leaving her street. The incident left she and her kids shaken.
Her children range from elementary school age to high school age. She told NewsChannel 6 that now they are afraid to go to the school bus stop in the morning.
“Definitely scary, you know, and we were nervous for the weeks that followed. I remember calling and requesting Burke County to drive around and it helped us feel safer. But then with this that followed after–it’s not very comforting. But it’s a terrifying feeling to not be safe out there anymore.”
The woman explained that she moved her family to rural Burke County 10 years ago from South Augusta, because of the crime there. She became emotional when telling us how she is now trying to restore a sense of safety in her children when she herself doesn’t feel safe.
“A lot of praying. A lot of praying has been happening in my house. A whole lot of praying.”
Chief Burley promised that law enforcement is going to do everything they can to help people in Burke County feel safe again.
“I can understand they’re being afraid. We got citizens right now, they are afraid to go in stores. They are afraid. They can’t sit on the porch and just relax, have some family fun time because of all this gun violence. That is our first responsibility. The safety of our public,” he said.
Burke County law enforcement said the community can help by providing tips to help them stop crime before it happens. If you see something, say something.
Sheriff Williams said he is done with the violence in Burke County.
“I can tell you that this is not going to be tolerated as long as I’m sheriff. We’re not going to have this violent crime. We’re not going to sit by and watch this black on black crime. We’re not going to let them hurt and kill and shoot each other and act a fool. And I’m serious about stopping it.”
Sheriff Williams added that the campaign to end the gang violence will continue until it’s back under control.
Photojournalist: Reggie Mckie.
