Evelyn GeorgeRICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. – On September 17, 2023, two Richmond County Sheriff’s sergeants were casually conversing at the intersection of Broad Street and 7th Street. They were amidst the lively crowd gathered for the Arts in the Hearts festival when a single gunshot rang out, sending panic through the group.
Upon hearing the gunshot, law enforcement sprang into action. One sergeant headed towards the source of the sound on Broad Street’s eastbound side.
There, he encountered a visibly shaken white female. Her fear was palpable, and she recounted a disturbing encounter.
According to her, a man, later identified as 64-year-old James Michel Singleton from South Carolina, had been walking in the middle of the roadway and had fired a shot, seemingly at her husband.
With his county-issued Smith & Wesson handgun at the ready, the other sergeant approached the suspect at Broad Street and 8th Street. Singleton’s behavior was alarming; he was heavily intoxicated, with slurred speech and reeking of alcohol. This prompted the officers to proceed with caution.
As the sergeant attempted to apprehend Singleton, the situation escalated. The suspect walked toward the officer, shouting offensive slurs and threats like “Kill all White people.”
After successfully handcuffing Singleton, the sergeant asked if he had a weapon. Singleton admitted to possessing a firearm and made alarming statements about harming others, even asking the sergeant to help him kill people. A search of the suspect’s person revealed a black handgun in a holster on his waistband.
The situation took an even more concerning turn when it was discovered that Singleton had outstanding warrants from Jasper County, including charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, DUI, and obstruction of an officer.
As officers worked to contain Singleton, the victim of the attack approached the scene. Initially displaying frustration, the victim’s demeanor shifted after speaking with a lieutenant, who listened to his side of the story.
The victim recounted how he and his wife were crossing Broad Street when Singleton attempted to engage with a group of young Black women. When the women declined his advances, Singleton responded with racial slurs and threats.
The victim decided to confront the aggressor, which led to a heated exchange. Singleton eventually pulled out a handgun and fired a shot, narrowly missing him.
He said the bullet struck the pavement, and “the rocks popped up and struck him in the chin.” He then “took off running” and approached the lieutenant.
During questioning, Singleton continued to make disturbing statements, expressing a desire to harm all White people and citing his belief in the “Honorable Elijah Muhammad.” His intoxicated state made it difficult to obtain a coherent statement regarding the incident.
As the investigation progressed, officers collected crucial evidence, including the Taurus G2C 9MM handgun used by Singleton. The firearm was turned over to the evidence room, along with the magazine containing 11 rounds (missing the one round that was discharged during the incident).
A sergeant transported Singleton to the Richmond County Jail, where a captain initiated the process to execute the outstanding warrants from Jasper County. He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
This case is pending in court.
