Latest news with #SavannahPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Two suspects served with warrants for felony murder, assault in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
The Savannah Police Department has obtained "several warrants," including for felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault, for two suspects in the July 2 Oglethorpe Mall shooting, according to an SPD press release. Those suspects are currently hospitalized at Memorial Health University Medical Center, where they were transported after the shooting. The individuals will be taken into custody and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center upon release from the hospital, the press release said. Other warrants served to the suspects, who are both under 18 years old, include possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18 and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. It is expected the suspects will await formal charges from the Chatham County District Attorney upon arrival at the detention center, the press release said. 'The Savannah Police Department intends to hold all those involved in this senseless crime accountable to the fullest extent of the law,' said SPD Chief Lenny Gunther. Recent news: One person dead due to heart complications "exacerbated" by Oglethorpe Mall shooting The arrest warrants mark a major breakthrough in the still ongoing investigation, which began Wednesday evening after the shooting occurred. SPD said names and identities of "those involved" in the shooting will not be released at this time in order to "preserve the investigation," the press release said. Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones said Thursday the case would take "highest priority" once the "baton is passed" to her office from local law enforcement. She also promised to bring the "full weight" of the law on those responsible for the shooting. The first fatality related to the shooting was announced Friday morning. Olislene 'Tina' Smith died around midnight, late July 3 or early July 4 due to heart complications exacerbated by the incident. Smith was one of three individuals transported to Memorial for non-gunshot-wounds related medical complications. Three other individuals were taken to the hospital with gunshot-related wounds. The expected charges come after SPD initially signaled Thursday it would bring underage firearm possession charges on two individuals. Later Thursday, SPD detectives decided not to peruse those charges at that time. Announcement of the warrants came with additional charges, including for felony murder and aggravated assault. With the ongoing investigation, anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020, or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app. Evan Lasseter is the city of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Police serve warrants to two suspects in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Savannah shooting: Chilling footage shows people running, taking cover as gunfire erupts at Oglethorpe Mall
Chilling security footage of the shooting at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, Georgia, has surfaced on social media. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) told Newsweek that the shooting injured three people, including two young adults and one juvenile, who were shot. The incident took place around 5:45 pm ET on Wednesday, July 2. Construction near the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, Georgia, US, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 (Photographer: Parker Puls/Bloomberg)(Bloomberg) The shocking video, shared on X, appears to show panicked people inside a store running and taking cover as gunshots rang out. Here's the footage: What we know so far Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther spoke to the media in the aftermath of the shooting, claiming the crime was not 'random.' "This is not a random shooting. It appears to be two groups shooting at each other,' Gunther said. Meanwhile,SPD told Newsweek, "We have three confirmed victims with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds at this time. One is a juvenile. EMS has transported them to Memorial Health University Medical Center. Mall is evacuated. No active threat at this time. Investigation is ongoing." In a statement, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr referred to the incident as 'devastating.' "The reports out of Savannah are devastating. My office is monitoring the situation closely and we're in touch with local law enforcement. We stand ready to support them with whatever they need,' Carr said. The Chatham Area Transit Authority reportedly suspended all services to and from the Oglethorpe Mall area until further notice because of the shooting. The Savannah Police Department has responded to the shooting, as did firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 574. IAFF Savannah Firefighters said in a statement on Facebook, 'Firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 574 are responding to the Oglethorpe Mall for a police matter. This is an active and dangerous situation. Avoid the area at all costs. Updates will be provided when available.' The page added in an update, 'Firefighters from IAFF Local 574 we're dispatched to the Oglethorpe Mall at approximately 5:43pm for the report of a shooting. Unfortunately, multiple people have been injured and additional firefighters have been sent to the scene to assist with patient care and preparing victims for transport to the hospital.'
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Savannah shooting: First details on Oglethorpe Mall suspects emerge after multiple injured
A shooting at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesday left at least five people injured, prompting an active shooter alert and a massive response from the Savannah Police Department (SPD). The incident, which occurred around 5:43 PM local time at the mall on 7804 Abercorn St, is suspected to be gang-related, with early reports suggesting rival gang members exchanged gunfire. Several people were shot in Savannah's Oglethorpe Mall(X) Gunfire erupted inside Oglethorpe Mall at approximately causing panic as shoppers fled or sheltered in stores. Videos shared on X captured crowds running and emergency responders treating victims, with at least two people injured near a jewelry store. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 574 described the scene as an 'active and dangerous situation', urging the public to avoid the area. At least five victims were injured, with one in critical condition and four others transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries, according to local media. Chatham EMS confirmed five ambulances were dispatched. No fatalities have been reported, and victim identities remain undisclosed. The SPD, supported by Chatham County Sheriff's Office and Georgia State Patrol, locked down the mall, evacuated shoppers, and cleared the premises, declaring no active threat by 6:37 PM. No suspects have been publicly identified or apprehended and the shooter's status (at large or detained) remains unclear. The SPD has not released descriptions or confirmed the number of suspects involved. Gang-related reports Sources cited by WJCL 22 News reported the shooting was gang-related, with 'members of the gangs shooting at each other.' This claim, while unconfirmed by SPD, aligns with Savannah's recent gang activity, including a US Attorney's Office indictment of 30 gang members in February 2025 for racketeering and firearms charges. Oglethorpe Mall has seen prior shootings, including a 2020 incident inside Jimmy Jazz Shoe store, where two males fought, and one fired a shot, leaving a bullet hole. A 2022 parking lot shooting injured a 36-year-old man, with the suspect described as a young Black male with dreads, driving a blue Honda sedan. A 2024 shooting near the mall killed a woman, with no suspects identified.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alderwoman Shabazz, city leaders host public safety town hall
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannahians had the opportunity to have an open conversation with elected officials and first responders after a spike in crime in a town hall Thursday. The town hall was hosted by District 5 Alderwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, PhD, in Tatemville. 'We can feel better knowing they've got our back,' said Savannah resident Angel Brayboy. Gratitude was the main emotion expressed by community members attending the town hall. The meeting's focus was public safety. Alderwoman Shabazz said she not only held the meeting for District 5 constituents but for everyone. 'It was due to the fact that there have been things going on public safety wise in this district and this city that have been a concern for my constituents along with people in the City of Savannah,' said the alderwoman. Dr. Shabazz was joined by leaders in the Savannah Police Department (SPD), Fire Department (SFD), and City Manager Jay Melder. 'I'm glad we have the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level and ask them questions directly rather than sending an email all the time or say something on social media that could blow up or go in the wrong direction,' said Brayboy. SPD Chief Lenny Gunther showed through a series of graphs that from Jan. 1-May 17, street crime has doubled, with an emphasis on vehicle thefts. 'We are about transparency,' said Alderwoman Shabazz. 'Somebody in the police department said they don't hide away from situations, they handle situations. It was the police chief who said that.' City leaders also used the town hall to heavily promote SPD's new community app as a way for the community to be directly involved in public safety. They said so far it has been very effective. The SPD community app is available for download on the Google Play stores. Users can report tips, register security cameras, request police reports, and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day Weekend violence in Savannah: fatal stabbing occurred Friday afternoon
A stabbing Friday in Savannah left one woman dead and led to another being charged with murder. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) released a statement about an investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 in the 2000 block of Camelia Court. SPD received a report of a medical emergency at the residence Friday afternoon. According to a SPD press release, once officers arrived, "they discovered the victim and conducted immediate life-saving measures, but the victim ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the scene." An initial investigation led officers to arrest Michelle Williams, 30. She was charged her with murder and aggravated assault. This is a developing story. Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@ and JoeInTheKnow_SMN on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Memorial Day weekend incident led to death, arrest
