Columbus, Georgia – A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center that left two men injured, according to the Columbus Police Department. The incident has renewed safety concerns at the facility, which has now seen two shootings within five months, including a fatal case last summer.
Incident overview
Police said officers were dispatched to the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center at approximately 6:50 p.m. on January 18 following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported for medical treatment. Authorities have not released details about the victims’ identities or current conditions.
The recreation center, a well-used community facility, was already under scrutiny following a previous violent incident in August 2025, when 22-year-old Jacarie Charles was fatally shot at the same location.
Timeline of events
According to investigators, officers secured the scene on January 18 and began collecting evidence, reviewing witness statements, and examining surveillance footage. Within days, police said they developed probable cause to identify a juvenile suspect.
On January 21, the 17-year-old suspect voluntarily turned himself in to authorities. Because the suspect is under 18 years of age, police have not released his name in accordance with standard policy…