Augusta Police Arrest Suspect in Peach Orchard Shooting
A 24-year-old man is in custody following a shooting at a local Zaxby’s restaurant that left one victim in critical condition.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Violence
Authorities arrested 24-year-old Eric Nichols on Bandler Road following a shooting that occurred outside a Zaxby’s restaurant on Peach Orchard Road. The victim, Jonathan Mathis, remains in critical condition at Wellstar MCG Health.
Why it matters
The shooting reportedly followed an argument between the couple during a food delivery. This violent encounter has left the victim fighting for his life, leading to serious felony charges against the suspect.
Eric Nichols is currently held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center without bond. He faces formal charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime.
The players
Eric Nichols
The 24-year-old suspect is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center after being apprehended on Bandler Road.
Jonathan Mathis
The victim of the shooting is currently receiving emergency medical treatment for his injuries at Wellstar MCG Health.
The details
After the shooting occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Friday, the suspect fled the scene on foot. A police K9 unit tracked Nichols to a location a few blocks away, leading to his subsequent arrest on Bandler Road.
Timeline
The shooting occurred at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026.
A booking photo of the suspect was taken on October 24, 2026.
As of October 28, 2026, the suspect remained in detention without bond.
Legal Context
The shooting marks a departure from the 2024 Augusta violent crime reduction initiative, which aimed to decrease public firearm incidents. Local authorities continue to track trends in aggravated assault to determine if additional community safety protocols are needed.
The incident occurred in a high-traffic retail area on Peach Orchard Road, raising questions about public safety in local commercial zones. Residents are advised to report suspicious activity to local police to assist in ongoing safety efforts.
The takeaway
This case highlights the extreme danger posed by domestic disputes involving firearms in public spaces. Authorities remind the community that conflicts should be de-escalated and reported to emergency services rather than handled privately.
Further reading
For more information on local safety trends, visit the Augusta Violence page.
