A Columbus man died after a shooting inside of a local recreation center.

The shooting occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center. The Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Muscogee County School District Police Department, and Columbus Fire and EMS all responded to the site.

Buddy Bryan, the Muscogee County Coroner, stated that 22-year-old Jacarie Charles died on the scene after a gunshot wound to the chest. Councilwoman Toyia Tucker reports that the leisure center’s gym was the scene of Charles’s death.

Shortly after the gunshot, a strong police presence was spotted departing the area. We then discovered that the presence was headed toward the Residence at Patriot Place housing complex on Buena Vista Road. The circumstances underlying the presence on Buena Vista Road are unclear.

Councilwoman Toyia Tucker also declared on her social media accounts that the recreation facility would be closed for the remainder of the week as “the city is taking all precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.”

The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information should call the Columbus Police Department.