The Gist: Three people have been arrested and charged in the shooting of a 21-year-old male who remains in critical condition after he was shot at an apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Macon.
The Details: On Tuesday, October 3, around 2 p.m., shots disrupted the peace at MAV at North Macon, 5578 Riverside Drive. Paramedics transported the injured young man to Atrium Health Navicent where medical staff currently list him as critical but stable.
By Thursday, October 5, Ronnie Shamar Coley, Sahmara Shelia Mccants, and Jamon Aikeen Troutman — all in their late teens to early twenties and Macon natives — found themselves facing charges of aggravated assault. The trio sits in custody, with no bond granted.
In Context: While this incident sheds light on a specific event in Macon, the broader narrative revolves around the continued challenge of gun violence across the nation.
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How You Can Help: Anyone with insights should connect with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or, for those preferring anonymity, the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.
👮♂️ Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
