Tension Still High At Cherry Tree Crossing

Tension Still High At Cherry Tree Crossing (Added: December 16, 2008)

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Two Richmond County deputies are not patrolling the streets after being involved in a shooting at the Cherry Tree Crossing housing development Sunday night. Since then, officers have stepped up patrols trying to calm an angry crowd after a suspect was shot there. At a press conference today, Sheriff Strength says people were setting dumpsters on fire and throwing objects at law enforcement and other officials. Count on our Fraendy Clervaud. He talked with one person who lives in the Sunset Area.

By: Fraendy Clervaud | WJBF-TV
Published: December 16, 2008

Augusta, GA -- It's day two of high tensions at Cherry Tree Crossing.

Lanie Kennedy, Augusta: "I stay right here. I seen the whole thing though the window they gunned him down for nothing."

Outraged neighbors say Sunday night's shooting was uncalled for.

Lanie Kennedy, Augusta:” What they did to that boy was wrong. He didn't do anything to them he didn't cause them no kind of harm.”

But Richmond County investigators say it was. 23-year-old Justin Elmore was shot after investigators say he tried to get away from police and hit their patrol car with his SUV. Sheriff Ronnie Strength says authorities tried to stop Elmore because he had drugs in his car. Residents say the suspect was unfairly targeted because cherry tree crossing is known as a bad area.

Lanie Kennedy, Augusta: “What they need to do is investigate this and do it right.”

These are the two deputies at the center of the shooting investigation. José Ortiz and Michael Hodge. Both officers have been placed on administrative duties and the shooting is being investigated by the GBI. After Sunday’s incident the entire sunset area was placed under heavy patrol. Some who live here say the police presence is all about intimidation.

Lanie Kennedy, Augusta: “These children don't want to hurt nobody. These ain't no cop killers standing in front of you these people have feelings so.”

But Sheriff Strength says it's all about safety.

Sheriff Ronnie Strength, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “There are a lot of good folks who live in the projects but there’s a lot of bad folks who live there too. But everybody no matter where they live in our community is valued by the sheriff’s office.”