A shooting early Friday morning in Richmond County sent shockwaves through Augusta, leaving one man hospitalized and prompting a wide-ranging investigation and dramatic pursuit that ended in the identification of multiple suspects.
Richmond County Dispatch alerted deputies shortly after 9:30 a.m. of a report at Aiken Tires, 2040 Broad Street. When deputies arrived, they soon determined the actual shooting had occurred moments earlier at the nearby intersection of Curry and Brown Street, just behind the Family Dollar.
The victim was identified as 39‑year‑old Larry Meminger Jr., of the 2100 block of Walton Way. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by Central EMS to Wellstar MCG Health for immediate treatment. Detectives and deputies scoured the nearby area, seeking witnesses, video footage, and physical evidence, while issuing a BOLO alert for a white Chevrolet Tahoe believed tied to the shooting.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., law enforcement located the suspect vehicle. Upon attempting a traffic stop, the driver fled, initiating a tense pursuit.
The Tahoe collided with another vehicle at the intersection of 2nd and Watkins Street; that driver suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Wellstar MCG Health. The suspect abandoned the car and fled on foot, but Investigative Sgt. Cameron Hampton and Sgt. James Treedore swiftly captured him.
Multiple Arrests and Outstanding Warrants: One suspect, 25‑year‑old Santrez Ellis, was arrested at the scene. He now faces charges including aggravated assault, firearm possession by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime, marijuana with intent, and various traffic offenses.
Warrants have also been secured for 38‑year‑old Dominique Ellis and 27‑year‑old Eshaud Ellis on identical charges.
Victim’s Troubled Past: Meminger is no stranger to law enforcement. He has been arrested in past years on charges including drug dealing, theft, robbery, and aggravated assault, serving multiple short prison stints and receiving probation in other cases.
In February 2025, he was arrested in connection with a 2024 domestic violence incident in which he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend after falsely accusing her of cheating. Deputies responding to a 911 hang-up call found the woman bleeding, with visible injuries, and later charged him with three counts of simple battery family violence.
Sheriff Urges Accountability: Sheriff Eugene Brantley commended the rapid and coordinated law enforcement response. “While we will never be able to prevent all violence, we want the public and criminals to know that we will not stop until those who commit acts of violence are apprehended, arrested, and held fully accountable for their actions,” Brantley said.
He reiterated that repeat offenders have no place in the community and praised deputies for their dedicated work in this case.
