- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Increased Police Presence Around Murphey Middle School After Student Approach Incidents
Law enforcement boosts security measures to address reports of adults approaching students on walking routes to school
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Authorities in Augusta, Georgia have increased police presence around Murphey Middle School after multiple reports of adults approaching and inappropriately questioning students along nearby walking routes to the school. This follows a recent arrest of a suspect on charges of non-aggravated child molestation and indecent exposure involving students walking to school in the area.
Why it matters
Student safety is a top priority for the Richmond County School System, and officials are taking these incidents seriously to protect children commuting to and from school. The increased law enforcement presence aims to deter any further attempts to approach or threaten students, while also demonstrating the district's commitment to pursuing full prosecution of anyone who puts student safety at risk.
The details
In the latest incident on Tuesday, a Murphey Middle School student was approached by an adult who asked inappropriate questions while the student was walking to school along Olive Road. Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded immediately and safely transported the student to school. This followed an arrest on Friday of a suspect, Darren Holden, 41, on a charge of non-aggravated child molestation after a report of indecent exposure involving students walking near Murphey.
- On Tuesday, a student was approached by an adult while walking to Murphey Middle School.
- On Friday, a suspect was arrested on charges of non-aggravated child molestation and indecent exposure involving students near Murphey Middle School.
The players
Murphey Middle School
A middle school in Augusta, Georgia where multiple incidents of adults approaching students on walking routes have been reported.
Richmond County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incidents and made an arrest related to the reports of adults approaching students.
Darren Holden
A 41-year-old man who was arrested on Friday and charged with non-aggravated child molestation and indecent exposure involving students walking near Murphey Middle School.
Richmond County School System Police Chief Mantrell Wilson
The police chief who stated the district's commitment to student safety and working with local law enforcement to increase security measures.
What they’re saying
“Our responsibility for our students' safety begins the moment they step out their front door and does not end until they are safely back home.”
— Mantrell Wilson, Richmond County School System Police Chief
What’s next
Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence during arrival and dismissal times at Murphey Middle School to monitor the area and provide additional security for students.
The takeaway
These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of students commuting to and from school. The school district's partnership with local law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to pursuing all available means to protect children and hold accountable anyone who threatens their wellbeing.
