Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police "arrested Nathaniel Snowton, 54, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Jan. 13, near the 100 block of East Jones Street following a residential burglary," police report.
Metro units responded to the scene and "learned someone had entered the rear of the residence and fled after the homeowner announced she was armed," police say.
"Officers located the suspect hiding in the back courtyard of a neighboring yard and apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit. In addition to the reported burglary, the suspect was also in possession of two Georgia licenses that were not his."
The suspect was charged with burglary 1st degree, obstruction by fleeing, criminal trespass and two counts of theft of lost or mislaid property. He was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center without incident.
Metro units responded to the scene and "learned someone had entered the rear of the residence and fled after the homeowner announced she was armed," police say.
"Officers located the suspect hiding in the back courtyard of a neighboring yard and apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit. In addition to the reported burglary, the suspect was also in possession of two Georgia licenses that were not his."
The suspect was charged with burglary 1st degree, obstruction by fleeing, criminal trespass and two counts of theft of lost or mislaid property. He was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center without incident.
Film Savannah, a partnership between the City of Savannah Film Services Office and the Savannah Economic Development Authority, reported more than $58 million was spent by entertainment productions in Chatham County in 2015, a record amount.
More than 270 productions in 2015 were assisted, including 10 feature films.
“This is by far the biggest investment by the entertainment production industry in Savannah to date,” said Trip Tollison, SEDA President and CEO.
“We have been busier than ever in the Film Office. Savannah is truly becoming a premier destination for production,” said Joe Shearouse, City of Savannah Leisure Services Bureau Chief.
In October 2014, SEDA and the City of Savannah formalized a partnership for SEDA to market and sell the Savannah region as a location for film, television and other productions. The City of Savannah Film Office’s role in this partnership is to facilitate production and serve as a liaison with citizens and businesses once production begins, including permitting, communications and other logistics.
SEDA’s first step was hiring award-winning producer of film and television, Ralph Singleton. Based in Los Angeles, Singleton has many years of experience as a producer, studio head and director in the film industry and has been instrumental in working with productions to come to Savannah.
“It is no coincidence that the hiring of Ralph Singleton has made a dramatic difference in the number of entertainment productions happening in Savannah,” said Tollison.
In October 2015, SEDA passed the Savannah Entertainment Production Incentive. The local incentives, partnered with the State’s already existing incentives, will help build a sustainable production industry in Chatham County by increasing the number of qualified crew members living and working in the area and increasing the number of film and television productions based in Chatham County.
The Savannah Entertainment Production Incentive became available Jan. 1, 2016 and has already generated national interest.
On the horizon in 2016 is the launch of the new Film Savannah website that integrates the industry standard platform, Reel Scout. Reel Scout allows entertainment production crew to be a part of a searchable online database. Also, those interested in listing their properties for location consideration can do so via the website.
“Reel Scout will greatly enhance our ability to serve the film community in a robust and comprehensive manner, while increasing the exposure and accessibility of the many resources we have available locally for production,” said Shearouse.
These announcements come amid personnel changes within the Savannah Film Office. Beth Nelson, who has been involved in film production in Savannah for a number of years, has been named Acting Director of Film Services as the City conducts a search for a new Director. Will Hammargren, the former Director, now has the position of Location Specialist in the Film Office.
More than 270 productions in 2015 were assisted, including 10 feature films.
“This is by far the biggest investment by the entertainment production industry in Savannah to date,” said Trip Tollison, SEDA President and CEO.
“We have been busier than ever in the Film Office. Savannah is truly becoming a premier destination for production,” said Joe Shearouse, City of Savannah Leisure Services Bureau Chief.
In October 2014, SEDA and the City of Savannah formalized a partnership for SEDA to market and sell the Savannah region as a location for film, television and other productions. The City of Savannah Film Office’s role in this partnership is to facilitate production and serve as a liaison with citizens and businesses once production begins, including permitting, communications and other logistics.
SEDA’s first step was hiring award-winning producer of film and television, Ralph Singleton. Based in Los Angeles, Singleton has many years of experience as a producer, studio head and director in the film industry and has been instrumental in working with productions to come to Savannah.
“It is no coincidence that the hiring of Ralph Singleton has made a dramatic difference in the number of entertainment productions happening in Savannah,” said Tollison.
In October 2015, SEDA passed the Savannah Entertainment Production Incentive. The local incentives, partnered with the State’s already existing incentives, will help build a sustainable production industry in Chatham County by increasing the number of qualified crew members living and working in the area and increasing the number of film and television productions based in Chatham County.
The Savannah Entertainment Production Incentive became available Jan. 1, 2016 and has already generated national interest.
On the horizon in 2016 is the launch of the new Film Savannah website that integrates the industry standard platform, Reel Scout. Reel Scout allows entertainment production crew to be a part of a searchable online database. Also, those interested in listing their properties for location consideration can do so via the website.
“Reel Scout will greatly enhance our ability to serve the film community in a robust and comprehensive manner, while increasing the exposure and accessibility of the many resources we have available locally for production,” said Shearouse.
These announcements come amid personnel changes within the Savannah Film Office. Beth Nelson, who has been involved in film production in Savannah for a number of years, has been named Acting Director of Film Services as the City conducts a search for a new Director. Will Hammargren, the former Director, now has the position of Location Specialist in the Film Office.
Tags: local film , seda , savannah film office
Monday, January 11, 2016
Maxine Bryant, Ph.D., a lecturer in Armstrong State University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science, was recently named the project manager for the city of Savannah’s new gun violence reduction initiative, End Gun Violence: Step Forward.
In her role, Bryant will be charged with overseeing the project’s successful implementation and with developing collaboration between the city’s social service agencies, residents of Savannah, the faith community and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD).
“This is a wonderful opportunity that will allow me to make a meaningful impact by aiding in the reduction of gun violence and violent crime in Savannah,” says Bryant. “My hope is to collaborate with Armstrong’s Department of Criminal Justice to assist with analyzing the data collected by SCMPD.”
End Gun Violence: Step Forward is an initiative that targets the most violent groups and gang members in the Savannah community by encouraging them to lay down their weapons and seek counseling, job training and other services provided by local organizations.
This approach is based on the Ceasefire model developed by the National Network for Safe Communities under the direction of criminologist David Kennedy and president of John Jay College in New York, Jeremy Travis. In July, Bryant traveled to New York with 20 Savannah community and criminal justice partners to meet with Kennedy.
To date, more than 60 cities across the U.S. have successfully implemented similar violence reduction initiatives.
Bryant has extensive experience in criminal justice, corrections and offender restoration programs. In May 2015, she organized and held a conference at Armstrong that encouraged newly released prisoners to re-engage with the community through work, education and the use of local re-entry focused service providers.
For more information about the End Gun Violence: Step Forward initiative, visit www.scmpd.org/endgunviolence.
In her role, Bryant will be charged with overseeing the project’s successful implementation and with developing collaboration between the city’s social service agencies, residents of Savannah, the faith community and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD).
“This is a wonderful opportunity that will allow me to make a meaningful impact by aiding in the reduction of gun violence and violent crime in Savannah,” says Bryant. “My hope is to collaborate with Armstrong’s Department of Criminal Justice to assist with analyzing the data collected by SCMPD.”
End Gun Violence: Step Forward is an initiative that targets the most violent groups and gang members in the Savannah community by encouraging them to lay down their weapons and seek counseling, job training and other services provided by local organizations.
This approach is based on the Ceasefire model developed by the National Network for Safe Communities under the direction of criminologist David Kennedy and president of John Jay College in New York, Jeremy Travis. In July, Bryant traveled to New York with 20 Savannah community and criminal justice partners to meet with Kennedy.
To date, more than 60 cities across the U.S. have successfully implemented similar violence reduction initiatives.
Bryant has extensive experience in criminal justice, corrections and offender restoration programs. In May 2015, she organized and held a conference at Armstrong that encouraged newly released prisoners to re-engage with the community through work, education and the use of local re-entry focused service providers.
For more information about the End Gun Violence: Step Forward initiative, visit www.scmpd.org/endgunviolence.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Accident Investigations Team are investigating a fatal collision involving a 26-year-old man and a CSX freight train on Saturday morning.
At approximately 2:41 a.m., Alexander Lucas was Grove Point Road after turning around at a dead-end traveling west in a Mitsubishi Eclipse when his car became wedged on railroad tracks.
"Lucas exited the vehicle for an unknown reason, standing on the tracks. The oncoming train was unable to stop as it struck him and the vehicle," says Darnisha Green of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Lucas was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This is an ongoing (MAIT) investigation.
At approximately 2:41 a.m., Alexander Lucas was Grove Point Road after turning around at a dead-end traveling west in a Mitsubishi Eclipse when his car became wedged on railroad tracks.
"Lucas exited the vehicle for an unknown reason, standing on the tracks. The oncoming train was unable to stop as it struck him and the vehicle," says Darnisha Green of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Lucas was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This is an ongoing (MAIT) investigation.
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force conducted 21 felony and 41 misdemeanor arrests Jan. 6-9, as part of an initiative focused on local crime prevention through the removal of violent offenders, drugs and illegal weapons.
"The 21 felony arrests consisted of five possessions of firearm by convicted felon, six parole/probation violations, four felony warrants, one possession of a controlled substance, two possessions of marijuana with intent to distribute, one fleeing to elude, one theft by receiving a stolen automobile, and one charge of tampering with evidence," says Sonny Cohrs of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Of the arrests made for felony warrants, there were four served for aggravated assault, one for aggravated battery, and one for shoplifting. Additionally, there were 128 traffic citations, 84 field interviews, 12 firearms seized and two stolen vehicles were recovered.
"Members of the task force reconvene periodically to identify and conduct targeted patrols of the jurisdiction’s most active areas to deter and remove high-risk individuals and situations that could endanger the public," adds Cohrs.
The task force had assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Chatham County District Attorney's Office, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.
The task force also had officers from all five SCMPD precincts, Savannah Impact Program (SIP), its Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (U.N.I.T.), the Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center (SARIC), precinct investigators, aviation, K-9, traffic, patrol officers and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.
"The 21 felony arrests consisted of five possessions of firearm by convicted felon, six parole/probation violations, four felony warrants, one possession of a controlled substance, two possessions of marijuana with intent to distribute, one fleeing to elude, one theft by receiving a stolen automobile, and one charge of tampering with evidence," says Sonny Cohrs of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Of the arrests made for felony warrants, there were four served for aggravated assault, one for aggravated battery, and one for shoplifting. Additionally, there were 128 traffic citations, 84 field interviews, 12 firearms seized and two stolen vehicles were recovered.
"Members of the task force reconvene periodically to identify and conduct targeted patrols of the jurisdiction’s most active areas to deter and remove high-risk individuals and situations that could endanger the public," adds Cohrs.
The task force had assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Chatham County District Attorney's Office, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.
The task force also had officers from all five SCMPD precincts, Savannah Impact Program (SIP), its Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (U.N.I.T.), the Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center (SARIC), precinct investigators, aviation, K-9, traffic, patrol officers and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Unit is investigating an robbery and shooting reported near East Waldburg Street and Waters Avenue about 2:46 p.m. Thursday.
"Metro and EMS responded to the area, finding James McFadden, 42, suffering from an non-life-threatening gunshot wound. McFadden was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center for care," police say.
An unidentified male suspect allegedly robbed McFadden of money before shooting him. No evidence of where the shooting occurred was recovered. Events leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
"The suspect is described as a black male with medium brown complexion, between ages 18 and 25. He stands about 5-8 and has a slender build. The suspect was last seen on a dark colored bicycle heading eastbound on Waldburg Street toward Harry Truman Parkway," police say.
"Metro and EMS responded to the area, finding James McFadden, 42, suffering from an non-life-threatening gunshot wound. McFadden was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center for care," police say.
An unidentified male suspect allegedly robbed McFadden of money before shooting him. No evidence of where the shooting occurred was recovered. Events leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
"The suspect is described as a black male with medium brown complexion, between ages 18 and 25. He stands about 5-8 and has a slender build. The suspect was last seen on a dark colored bicycle heading eastbound on Waldburg Street toward Harry Truman Parkway," police say.
The Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police arrested Deandre Glover, 18, at about noon on Tuesday. Glover was taken into custody at Fred Wessels Homes.
He is charged with murder in the November 2015 shooting death of Mario Williams, 29, on the 700 block of Wheaton Street.
He is charged with murder in the November 2015 shooting death of Mario Williams, 29, on the 700 block of Wheaton Street.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Downtown and Central precinct detectives have obtained surveillance images of two recent auto thefts and ask the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspects.
"One theft occurred just after 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 at a gas station on the 400 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Two males arrived in a gold Chevrolet Impala that was recently reported stolen. The victim arrived in a black Jeep Compass. Both suspects exited the Chevrolet. One suspect distracted the victim as the second suspect stole the Jeep. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury while trying to stop the suspect. The vehicle was left running at the time of the theft," police say.
"Also, on Dec. 20, at about 6:47 p.m. Metro responded to a convenience store on the 2100 block of Montgomery Street, after reports of a vehicle theft. Investigators believe the victim exited a blue 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Both suspects were sitting outside of the store in a silver four-door Pontiac sedan with a spoiler. One male suspect exited the Pontiac, before entering the Hyundai and driving away. The keys were left in the ignition of the stolen vehicle at the time of the theft. The stolen Hyundai was recovered with significant damage," police say.
Investigators believe at least one of the suspects is involved in both incidents. That suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, with a dark complexion and his hair styled in twists. The suspect wears diamond stud earrings. He stands roughly 5-8 to 5-10 and weighs about 150 pounds.
"One theft occurred just after 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 at a gas station on the 400 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Two males arrived in a gold Chevrolet Impala that was recently reported stolen. The victim arrived in a black Jeep Compass. Both suspects exited the Chevrolet. One suspect distracted the victim as the second suspect stole the Jeep. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury while trying to stop the suspect. The vehicle was left running at the time of the theft," police say.
"Also, on Dec. 20, at about 6:47 p.m. Metro responded to a convenience store on the 2100 block of Montgomery Street, after reports of a vehicle theft. Investigators believe the victim exited a blue 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Both suspects were sitting outside of the store in a silver four-door Pontiac sedan with a spoiler. One male suspect exited the Pontiac, before entering the Hyundai and driving away. The keys were left in the ignition of the stolen vehicle at the time of the theft. The stolen Hyundai was recovered with significant damage," police say.
Investigators believe at least one of the suspects is involved in both incidents. That suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, with a dark complexion and his hair styled in twists. The suspect wears diamond stud earrings. He stands roughly 5-8 to 5-10 and weighs about 150 pounds.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police investigators arrested Thairique Jones, 17, Thursday morning, in connection with two burglaries on East Duffy Street.
"At approximately 11 a.m., SCMPD responded to a residence on the 1100 block of East Duffy Street after a tip from a citizen led investigators to the area. Metro was given consent to search the residence where several items of stolen property were recovered. Recovered items include: laptops, a long rifle, more than 500 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, cell phones, assault rifle magazines, debit cards, military equipment, scales, an air pistol, digital camera and small amount of marijuana," police say.
Jones was arrested without incident. He is charged with two counts of burglary in the first degree, one count of theft by receiving stolen property, one count of possession of drug related objects and marijuana possession . Additional charges may be pending.
"On Dec. 29 just before 1 a.m., Metro responded to a reported burglary on the 1200 block of East Duffy Street where cash, electronics and firearms were reportedly taken. On Jan. 5 just after 5 p.m., Metro responded to a burglary report on the 1100 block of E. Duffy Street where electronics and cash were also stolen. Several of these items have been recovered and returned to owners," police say.
This case remains under investigation.
"At approximately 11 a.m., SCMPD responded to a residence on the 1100 block of East Duffy Street after a tip from a citizen led investigators to the area. Metro was given consent to search the residence where several items of stolen property were recovered. Recovered items include: laptops, a long rifle, more than 500 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, cell phones, assault rifle magazines, debit cards, military equipment, scales, an air pistol, digital camera and small amount of marijuana," police say.
Jones was arrested without incident. He is charged with two counts of burglary in the first degree, one count of theft by receiving stolen property, one count of possession of drug related objects and marijuana possession . Additional charges may be pending.
"On Dec. 29 just before 1 a.m., Metro responded to a reported burglary on the 1200 block of East Duffy Street where cash, electronics and firearms were reportedly taken. On Jan. 5 just after 5 p.m., Metro responded to a burglary report on the 1100 block of E. Duffy Street where electronics and cash were also stolen. Several of these items have been recovered and returned to owners," police say.
This case remains under investigation.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
In a move rumored for most of this week, City Manager Stephanie Cutter made the following statement at the end of today’s City Council Meeting:
"Earlier today I notified you of my plans to retire, and have agreed to remain as City Manager as you conduct a nationwide search for a new City Manager. I will remain in the Office of City Manager until the new Manager’s term begins," Cutter said.
"I have also agreed to remain as an adviser to the new City Manager for one year. I trust that you will remain diligent in your commitment to provide me your full support in my role as City Manager pursuant to the City Charter, and make the same commitment to the new City Manager," she said.
"It is love for the people of Savannah and love for this great City that should motivate us to work cooperatively together to preserve the quality of life for ALL citizens of Savannah."
New Mayor Eddie DeLoach and each member of City Council took turns making statements of appreciation and thanks directly to Ms. Cutter for her service.
"Earlier today I notified you of my plans to retire, and have agreed to remain as City Manager as you conduct a nationwide search for a new City Manager. I will remain in the Office of City Manager until the new Manager’s term begins," Cutter said.
"I have also agreed to remain as an adviser to the new City Manager for one year. I trust that you will remain diligent in your commitment to provide me your full support in my role as City Manager pursuant to the City Charter, and make the same commitment to the new City Manager," she said.
"It is love for the people of Savannah and love for this great City that should motivate us to work cooperatively together to preserve the quality of life for ALL citizens of Savannah."
New Mayor Eddie DeLoach and each member of City Council took turns making statements of appreciation and thanks directly to Ms. Cutter for her service.
