Two Injured in Interstate 20 Shooting; Richmond County Authorities Launch Aggravated Assault Investigation
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has launched an active investigation into a troubling case of aggravated assault that left two individuals injured by gunfire on Saturday evening, June 28, 2025. The shooting occurred on the westbound side of Interstate 20 near mile marker 196, sending shockwaves through the community and triggering a swift law enforcement response.
The Incident
According to authorities, deputies were dispatched shortly after 7:45 p.m. to the area near mile marker 196 following multiple emergency calls reporting shots fired on the interstate. Upon arrival, deputies found a vehicle stopped on the shoulder with visible bullet damage. Inside the vehicle were two occupants — an adult male and an adult female — both suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending family notifications, were immediately transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment. As of Sunday morning, both individuals remain hospitalized. One is reportedly in serious but stable condition, while the other is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation suggests that the shooting may have been the result of a targeted attack or a road rage incident, although investigators have not ruled out any possibilities. Authorities are working to determine if the suspect or suspects were in another vehicle and whether the shooting occurred while both vehicles were in motion.
Search for Suspects
Law enforcement officials have yet to make any arrests in the case and are appealing to the public for information. Witnesses who were traveling on I-20 at the time of the incident are urged to come forward, particularly those with dashcam footage that may have captured part of the encounter or any suspicious vehicles.
“We are aggressively pursuing leads in this investigation and are asking anyone who saw anything unusual or has relevant footage to contact our office immediately,” said Lt. Jason Wright, a spokesperson for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. “This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have had even more tragic consequences on such a heavily traveled highway.”
Crime scene technicians worked well into the night, collecting evidence from the roadway and the vehicle involved. Interstate 20 westbound was reduced to one lane for several hours as deputies secured the area and examined ballistic evidence.
Community Concerns
News of the shooting has stirred deep concern among residents and motorists who frequently use the I-20 corridor. Saturday evening traffic was disrupted significantly, and many drivers expressed fear and confusion as they passed by flashing lights and a visible law enforcement presence.
Local leaders have stressed the importance of public cooperation to help bring those responsible to justice. “Our community must remain vigilant and united,” said Richmond County Commissioner Marcia Barnes. “This type of violence has no place here, and we must work together to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.”
The Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have both offered their assistance in the case, though the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead agency.
Safety Measures and Reactions
In light of the shooting, discussions have reignited about the need for increased patrols and surveillance along major stretches of highway, especially in areas known for high traffic volume or incidents of road rage. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert, avoid confrontations on the road, and immediately report any suspicious or aggressive driving behavior.
Local advocacy groups have also voiced support for more highway-mounted cameras and faster response times to highway incidents. “We’re grateful no lives were lost, but we can’t allow our highways to become shooting galleries,” said community advocate Alicia Morgan. “There must be accountability and prevention.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Sunday afternoon, no suspects have been publicly identified, and investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or submit a tip anonymously through the department’s online tip line.
Authorities believe that this was not a random act of violence but are exploring all possible motives, including personal disputes, road rage, or gang-related activity. The sheriff’s office has assured the public that all necessary resources are being allocated to bring clarity to the case and ensure justice for the victims.
Looking Ahead
As Richmond County continues to process this alarming incident, there is a collective call for increased road safety and community vigilance. The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
In the meantime, the two victims continue to recover in the hospital, and their families are receiving support from both law enforcement officials and members of the local community.
For now, the focus remains on healing, justice, and ensuring that such violence does not recur on the roads so many rely on every day.