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NBC Augusta.com is reporting Chaos erupted at the Cherry Tree Apartments Sunday evening after police shot a man who allegedly tried to run them over with his car. Around a hundred people took to the streets and set fire to several dumpsters.
Angry residents threw rocks and glass bottles at fire fighters and police—holding them back from dealing with the fires. The mob even attacked NBC Augusta 26 News.
Dozens of gun shots could be heard as the air filled with the smell of gun powder and burnt trash. Police rushed back to the scene in full force and prepared for a clash with the mob. They suited up with riot gear, defense sticks, some carried fully-automatic assault rifles.
After deputies announced anyone caught outside would be arrested, the crowd slowly dispersed. Deputies patrolled the area throughout the night in an effort to keep the peace. MORE HERE
UPDATE:
Even though the streets have calmed down, six dumpsters were set on fire at Cherry Tree Crossing, with Richmond County deputies patrolling the area. Much different from the night before when crowds of people swarmed 15th Street.
It all started Sunday afternoon when the Sheriff's Office got information that Justin Elmore was driving a dark colored SUV in the Cherry Tree Crossing area with drugs and weapons inside. Deputies spotted the SUV and tried to stop it on Carver Drive off 15th Street. There was one patrol car in front of Elmore's vehicle and another behind it.
"The weapon was not drawn until the officer was approaching the driver, and once he saw that driver put the vehicle in reverse, he knew something was fixing to happen," Sheriff Ronnie Strength said.
Sheriff Strength says the officer fired his weapon at Elmore's vehicle, hitting the front windshield, and into the front passenger window as Elmore drove by. Investigators say Elmore then drove through yards on Carver Drive until the car stopped at a fence. Elmore was taken to MCG.
And while investigators were securing the scene waiting for the GBI to arrive, several hundred people gathered.
Sheriff Strength says some of the crowd was unruly, throwing glass bottles and rocks at deputies. No one was hurt, but four patrol cars were damaged.
"Rumors, speculation, stories, and everything else last night and they didn't know what they were talking about. But they should wait till the investigation is completed," Sheriff Strength said.
