R.I.P.Justin Elmore was shot Sunday night

December 16, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation tells News 12 a shooting victim from the weekend has died. 23-year-old Justin Elmore was shot Sunday night after deputies tried to pull him over in the Cherry Tree Crossing area. They say they feared for their lives.

Tuesday night, family and friends reacted to the news of Elmore's death by holding a vigil on the corner of 15th and Carver Streets where the shooting happened. It started with candles and singing at a make-shift memorial, but the crowd continued to grow. The peaceful singing and prayers quickly escalated into something more intense.

Part of the crowd forced their way into a small store. Our cameras caught them carrying out beer. Then, deputies in riot gear moved in, and that's when the arrests started. Some members of the crowd took off running while others clashed with deputies. In all, News 12 saw at least 3 people get carried off in hand-cuffs.

News 12 has also learned a Richmond County deputy had to go to the hospital tonight for treatment. Lt. Scott Gay went to MCG for a pre-existing condition. He is head of the Crime Suppression Team and is expected to be okay.

Meanwhile, law enforcement, including Sheriff Ronnie Strength, set up on every corner of the neighborhood, trying to keep the crowd under control. The police presence was tremendous, but around midnight, things settled down enough to pull some deputies from the neighborhood.

The investigation is still on-going. Elmore's body will be taken to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy Wednesday.