STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at approximately 7:46 p.m. in the Maple Leaf Drive area of the Staunton area of Augusta County.

Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith reports that while deputies were responding to the incident, emergency dispatchers determined that two individuals at the location had sustained gunshot wounds.

Deputies, along with personnel from Staunton Augusta Rescue, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Swoope Fire Department, and Churchville Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and immediately began life-saving measures.

One person, a 19-year-old male, was transported by Staunton Augusta Rescue to a nearby landing zone and flown by medical helicopter to the University of Virginia Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The second person with gunshot wounds was pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as 18-year-old Andrew “AJ” Wayne Mitts Jr., of Staunton. Andrew was a senior at Buffalo Gap High School.

Augusta County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Troxell said in a statement that the community is, “are heartbroken and in disbelief, and are grieving with his family and friends.”

His body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke, Virginia.

At this time, no arrests have been made and this investigation is ongoing. Numerous firearms were recovered at the scene as part of the investigation.

“This was an isolated incident involving the illegal sale of handguns. We are still working to determine what led up to these events. Please take a moment and pray for the family, friends, and student body at Buffalo Gap High School during this difficult time,” said Sheriff Donald L. Smith.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333.