Man Arrested in Deadly Columbus Gas Station Shooting

Dwayne Quarles charged with murder, firearm possession in death of Calvin Mitchell

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing or bullet fragment against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence from a violent crime scene.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from a deadly gas station shooting exposes the harsh realities of gun violence in this Columbus community.Columbus Today

Columbus police have arrested 50-year-old Dwayne Quarles in connection with the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Calvin Mitchell at a Liberty gas station on Victory Drive late Thursday night. Quarles is facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Why it matters

Gun violence and fatal shootings remain a major public safety concern in Columbus, with this incident marking the city's third homicide of 2026. The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to investigate and apprehend suspects in violent crimes.

The details

According to authorities, officers were called to the Liberty gas station just before midnight on Thursday after reports of a shooting. They found Calvin Mitchell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and he was rushed to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said Mitchell was shot about six times, first on his right side and then multiple times on his left side as he turned. Mitchell's girlfriend, who was with him at the time, was not injured.

  • The shooting occurred late Thursday night, just before midnight.
  • Quarles is scheduled to appear in Recorder's Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 8 a.m.

The players

Dwayne Quarles

A 50-year-old man arrested and charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the fatal shooting of Calvin Mitchell.

Calvin Mitchell

A 37-year-old man who was fatally shot multiple times at a Liberty gas station in Columbus, Georgia.

Buddy Bryan

The Muscogee County Coroner who examined Mitchell's body and determined he was shot about six times, first on his right side and then multiple times on his left side as he turned.

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What they’re saying

“Evidently when he got out of the car, I would say someone targeted him. He was shot multiple times.”

— Buddy Bryan, Muscogee County Coroner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Dwayne Quarles out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and fatal shootings in Columbus, Georgia, and the importance of law enforcement efforts to investigate and apprehend suspects in these types of violent crimes.