Columbus, GA — August 12, 2025
A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned tragic in east Columbus when gunfire erupted at The Lakes Apartment complex, leaving one person dead and an entire community shaken.
The Incident
Columbus Police say the shooting happened around 3:00 p.m. in the 4300 block of Warm Springs Road. Multiple calls to 911 reported gunfire in the area, prompting a swift police response to the sprawling apartment complex.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite emergency personnel’s efforts, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending family notification.
Investigation Underway
The Violent Crimes Unit of the Columbus Police Department has taken over the investigation. Detectives were seen canvassing the complex, interviewing residents, and collecting evidence from both the parking lot and an adjacent building entrance believed to be near the location of the shooting.
Authorities have not confirmed whether a suspect has been identified or taken into custody. No motive has been disclosed, and investigators are working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Scene Description
By late afternoon, the complex was cordoned off with yellow police tape. Several marked police cruisers and an unmarked detective vehicle lined the road leading into the property, while crime scene technicians placed evidence markers on the pavement.
Residents, many visibly shaken, stood outside their buildings watching the investigation unfold. Some spoke in hushed tones about hearing “four to five loud pops”, followed by people running between buildings.
Community Impact
The Lakes Apartment complex, situated off a busy stretch of Warm Springs Road, is home to dozens of families. Tuesday’s shooting adds to concerns over rising gun violence in Columbus, where several shootings have been reported in recent months.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said:
“We’ve lived here for years, and things have been getting worse lately. It’s scary knowing this happened right outside our door in broad daylight.”
Police Statement & Call for Information
In a brief statement, Columbus Police urged anyone with information to contact the department’s Violent Crimes Unit or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers. They emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case.
“This is still a very active investigation,” a police spokesperson said. “We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything, or who has video footage from the area, to reach out to us immediately.”