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.
The suspect later appeared in Columbus Recorder’s Court on January 23, where he pleaded not guilty. Both cases connected to the suspect were subsequently bound over to Superior Court.
Details from police
The Columbus Police Department confirmed that the teen is facing multiple felony charges related to the recreation center shooting. According to police, the charges include:
- Two counts of aggravated assault
- One count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
- One count of possession of a firearm under 18 years of age
In a brief statement, police said:
“Investigators established probable cause to seek arrest warrants, and the juvenile suspect later turned himself in.”
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active as the case moves through the court system.
Separate armed robbery case
Police also revealed that the same 17-year-old has been identified as a suspect in a separate, unrelated armed robbery that occurred on January 17, one day before the recreation center shooting.
In that case, the teen is charged with:
- Armed robbery
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
- Possession of a firearm under 18 years of age
Officials said the robbery case was also presented during the January 23 Recorder’s Court hearing and has likewise been transferred to Superior Court for further proceedings.
Key facts at a glance
- Suspect age: 17 years old
- Location: Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center, Columbus
- Date of shooting: January 18
- Time: Approximately 6:50 p.m.
- Victims: Two adult males injured
- Prior incident: Fatal shooting of Jacarie Charles, age 22, in August 2025
- Court appearance: January 23, Columbus Recorder’s Court
Additional context
The Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center has now been linked to multiple violent incidents in a short period, raising broader questions about youth gun access, community safety, and after-hours security at public facilities. According to reporting by the Ledger-Enquirer, the August 2025 shooting prompted calls for increased oversight and preventative measures at the center.
Community leaders have previously stressed the importance of early intervention, safe recreational programming, and stronger collaboration between law enforcement, schools, and families to prevent youth-involved violence.
Public safety considerations
Police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity and cooperate with investigators. Authorities also remind parents and guardians about the legal consequences of unsecured firearms, particularly when minors gain access to weapons.
Conclusion
The arrest of a 17-year-old suspect in the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center shooting marks a significant development in a case that has heightened safety concerns across Columbus. With multiple felony charges and a separate armed robbery case now headed to Superior Court, the legal process will determine the next steps as investigators continue to gather evidence.
If you have information related to this case or concerns about safety in public spaces, contact local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
