Rising Gun Violence in Columbus, GA: Innocent Victims Caught in Crossfire

By Kirsten J. Barnes

Over the past several months, shootings have been on the rise in Columbus, Ga., and too often, the person who is injured or killed is not the intended victim.

For example, according to a May 6 press release from the Columbus Police, a warrant was issued for Robert Walker, who is accused of shooting 6-year-old Cameron Thomas, who suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. 

The shooting occurred on May 1. The same day, Makaliah Briscoe was arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated assault, and warrants were issued for Walker, 20, and a 16-year-old juvenile.

Columbus Police Department Administrative Specialist II Kathryn Tyson said the suspect is still at large and should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

Anyone who has seen him or knows where he is should contact the police by calling 911 or contact lead investigator Corporal Jared Berger at 706-225-4325. You can remain anonymous, and if the information leads to an arrest, you can receive an award. 

Police have also issued a warrant for Gary Louis Walker, 46, charging him with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

The shooting occurred on May 3 in the 1500 block of Fort Benning Road, near the Super C, after Darrin Huntley was found inside the store suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

“He has not been caught,” Tyson said.

Walker is 6’3” and about 210 pounds and is considered “armed and dangerous,” according to a police press release.

Anyone with information about Walker’s whereabouts can call 911 or lead investigator Corporal Kevin Baldwin at 706-225-4337.

Also, the Columbus Police are asking for the public’s input regarding the job they are doing in keeping Columbus safe for its residents through a Crime Prevention and Community Relations Opinion Survey, located at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b8350de46935499e903171142b33b1d4.

The online questionnaire has 14 questions and a comment section related to your overall feelings about the police department, along with questions about interaction with officers.  

Some of the questions include: How well do you think the Columbus Police Officers perform their jobs?

How much confidence do you have in the Columbus Police Department?

How safe do you feel conducting normal daily activities in Columbus?

How safe do you feel in your neighborhood?

Overall, how safe do you feel in Columbus?

How responsive was the officer to you or your family’s needs?

How well did the offer try to understand your problem or situation?