Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting at a house on 1600 block of West Gwinnett Street, that injured Lance Kelly, 24, on Monday, Jan. 16.
At about 11:45 p.m. Metro officers responded to the scene, finding Kelly with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Kelly was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for care.
"Reportedly, Kelly was shot at the residence by a male suspect who fled in a vehicle. Investigators believe Kelly and the suspect are acquainted," said Eunicia Baker of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Circumstances of this shooting remain under investigation. The victim is not cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
At about 11:45 p.m. Metro officers responded to the scene, finding Kelly with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Kelly was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for care.
"Reportedly, Kelly was shot at the residence by a male suspect who fled in a vehicle. Investigators believe Kelly and the suspect are acquainted," said Eunicia Baker of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
Circumstances of this shooting remain under investigation. The victim is not cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) "initiated a total of 50 homicide investigations in 2016," a department spokesperson said Friday afternoon.
Annual homicides are divided into three status categories: cleared by arrest, open and "exceptional clearance," which typically means a case closed through means other than arrest or prosecution, for example if the perpetrator is either killed by police during the commitment of a crime or commits suicide after perpetrating the crime.
"In 2016, 38 homicide cases were cleared. Thirty-six homicide cases were cleared by arrest. Two were exceptionally cleared. Eight of the 2016 homicide arrests were for cases opened in prior years," police report.
Currently, 20 homicide cases opened in 2016 remain under investigation, police say.
"In 2016, the SCMPD’s jurisdiction experienced three fewer homicides than 2015," says a department spokesperson. "The agency had a homicide clearance rate of 76% in 2016. As of 2015, the national homicide clearance rate is 61.5%."
Annual homicides are divided into three status categories: cleared by arrest, open and "exceptional clearance," which typically means a case closed through means other than arrest or prosecution, for example if the perpetrator is either killed by police during the commitment of a crime or commits suicide after perpetrating the crime.
"In 2016, 38 homicide cases were cleared. Thirty-six homicide cases were cleared by arrest. Two were exceptionally cleared. Eight of the 2016 homicide arrests were for cases opened in prior years," police report.
Currently, 20 homicide cases opened in 2016 remain under investigation, police say.
"In 2016, the SCMPD’s jurisdiction experienced three fewer homicides than 2015," says a department spokesperson. "The agency had a homicide clearance rate of 76% in 2016. As of 2015, the national homicide clearance rate is 61.5%."
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
A town hall-style meeting to gain community input into the approved merger of Armstrong State University and Georgia Southern University is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at 4:30 p.m. in Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong campus.
"Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are welcome to attend," says a statement.
As expected, the Board of Regents approved the consolidation this morning at its regular meeting. This is actually the fifth round of major consolidation of universities and colleges in the University System of Georgia.
“The consolidation of these institutions will enable our University System to better serve students, broaden or redesign academic programs offered in the coastal and southwest Georgia regions, and reinvest savings into academics to improve student success,” said Wrigley. “While the ultimate purpose of consolidation is to serve students better, we also have the opportunity to tailor degree programs for the workforce needs of the area and strengthen our role in the region’s economic development.”
The Regents also voted to approve the merger of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Bainbridge State College.
"Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are welcome to attend," says a statement.
As expected, the Board of Regents approved the consolidation this morning at its regular meeting. This is actually the fifth round of major consolidation of universities and colleges in the University System of Georgia.
“The consolidation of these institutions will enable our University System to better serve students, broaden or redesign academic programs offered in the coastal and southwest Georgia regions, and reinvest savings into academics to improve student success,” said Wrigley. “While the ultimate purpose of consolidation is to serve students better, we also have the opportunity to tailor degree programs for the workforce needs of the area and strengthen our role in the region’s economic development.”
The Regents also voted to approve the merger of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Bainbridge State College.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are searching for the suspect in a Jan. 10 stabbing at a homeless camp near President Street and Harry Truman Parkway, that claimed the life of a 56-year-old man.
"At about 12:20 p.m. Metro officers responded to the scene finding the victim fatally injured. The victim was reportedly stabbed during an altercation with a male acquaintance," police report.
"The suspect is described as a white male in his mid-30s. He has dreadlocks and wears his beard pulled into a ponytail. This suspect was last seen running into the woods near the camp. It is unknown whether he is still armed," police say.
Members of the SCMPD Command Staff, Violent Crimes detectives, Patrol Division, SWAT and K-9 Unit responded to the scene aiding in the search.
"At about 12:20 p.m. Metro officers responded to the scene finding the victim fatally injured. The victim was reportedly stabbed during an altercation with a male acquaintance," police report.
"The suspect is described as a white male in his mid-30s. He has dreadlocks and wears his beard pulled into a ponytail. This suspect was last seen running into the woods near the camp. It is unknown whether he is still armed," police say.
Members of the SCMPD Command Staff, Violent Crimes detectives, Patrol Division, SWAT and K-9 Unit responded to the scene aiding in the search.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting on East 54th and Ash streets that injured Deshawn Ford, 19, on Thursday, Jan. 5.
"At about 9 p.m. Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, where Ford had arrived in a privately owned vehicle, seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound," police say.
Reportedly, Ford was walking on East 54th when a male subject approached and shot him. The suspect reportedly fled in a dark-colored 4-door sedan.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
"At about 9 p.m. Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, where Ford had arrived in a privately owned vehicle, seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound," police say.
Reportedly, Ford was walking on East 54th when a male subject approached and shot him. The suspect reportedly fled in a dark-colored 4-door sedan.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
A controversial and almost completely unpublicized effort to subsume Armstrong State University into Georgia Southern University took a major step towards reality this morning with combined statements from both university presidents and the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents.
The Regents are expected to approve the merger at its Jan. 11 meeting.
"The Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia continue to assess how its institutions can effectively and efficiently serve the state and provide access to education to its citizens," said Georgia Southern President Jaime Hebert, who is expected to head the new entity, which will retain the name Georgia Southern University and would be the fourth-largest in the state.
"Chancellor Steve Wrigley will recommend to the Board of Regents that Georgia Southern University and Armstrong State University be consolidated at the next Board of Regents meeting, which will be held January 11," Hebert says.
"The recommended consolidation will combine the best of both institutions, which are just an hour apart and ultimately serve many of the same students coming from southeast Georgia who are seeking higher education."
Outgoing Armstrong President Linda Bleicken, who had already announced her retirement from the position, said in a statement:
"Fortunately, Armstrong and Georgia Southern are both strong institutions defined by a shared focus on supporting student success, talented faculty and staff, and a powerful commitment to academic excellence."
Many questions remain, of course, largely due to the seemingly clandestine nature of the agreement, which came as news to blindsided faculty and students at both institutions.
If approved as expected, the two universities wouldn't combine until 2018, sources say.
The Regents are expected to approve the merger at its Jan. 11 meeting.
"The Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia continue to assess how its institutions can effectively and efficiently serve the state and provide access to education to its citizens," said Georgia Southern President Jaime Hebert, who is expected to head the new entity, which will retain the name Georgia Southern University and would be the fourth-largest in the state.
"Chancellor Steve Wrigley will recommend to the Board of Regents that Georgia Southern University and Armstrong State University be consolidated at the next Board of Regents meeting, which will be held January 11," Hebert says.
"The recommended consolidation will combine the best of both institutions, which are just an hour apart and ultimately serve many of the same students coming from southeast Georgia who are seeking higher education."
Outgoing Armstrong President Linda Bleicken, who had already announced her retirement from the position, said in a statement:
"Fortunately, Armstrong and Georgia Southern are both strong institutions defined by a shared focus on supporting student success, talented faculty and staff, and a powerful commitment to academic excellence."
Many questions remain, of course, largely due to the seemingly clandestine nature of the agreement, which came as news to blindsided faculty and students at both institutions.
If approved as expected, the two universities wouldn't combine until 2018, sources say.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into a bank robbery on Thursday, Jan. 5 at South State Bank, on the 400 block of Mall Boulevard.
"Metro responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. after a suspect entered the business, displayed a gun and demanded cash," police report.
"Employees complied with the suspect’s demands. The suspect fled in an unknown direction, possibly in a white vehicle. No injuries were reported," police say.
The suspect is described as a black male standing approximately 6-feet tall. During the incident he wore a dark-colored hooded jacket, a face covering, gloves and dark pants.
"Metro responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. after a suspect entered the business, displayed a gun and demanded cash," police report.
"Employees complied with the suspect’s demands. The suspect fled in an unknown direction, possibly in a white vehicle. No injuries were reported," police say.
The suspect is described as a black male standing approximately 6-feet tall. During the incident he wore a dark-colored hooded jacket, a face covering, gloves and dark pants.
Savannah-Chatham Police detectives are investigating a shooting that seriously injured one man Jan. 5.
"At approximately 12:32 a.m., Metro responded to the intersection of West Street and Walter Simmons Court locating Frederick Washington, 18, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Washington was transported to Memorial University Medical Center in critical condition," police report.
Detectives say they do not believe this incident to be random.
"At approximately 12:32 a.m., Metro responded to the intersection of West Street and Walter Simmons Court locating Frederick Washington, 18, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Washington was transported to Memorial University Medical Center in critical condition," police report.
Detectives say they do not believe this incident to be random.
Nearly 100 Savannah women will travel to Washington D.C to participate in the Women’s March on January 21, following the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States.
The march is a "national pro-woman movement that creates a visible sign of solidarity amongst women all across America," says a spokesperson for the local group.
In the words of national organizers, the march has the mission to "send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women's rights are human rights,” as well as “immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities & mental illness, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore.”
Local artist Panhandle Slim has also pledged to create a sign for every Savannah woman attending the march, "not only offering his art as a means to support the march, but to also ensure a unique visual representation among Savannah attendees," says the spokesperson.
The Savannah fleet of buses leaves on Friday, January 20 and will return Sunday, January 22.
For more info contact state organizer Courtnay Papy or visit www.wmowga.com
The march is a "national pro-woman movement that creates a visible sign of solidarity amongst women all across America," says a spokesperson for the local group.
In the words of national organizers, the march has the mission to "send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women's rights are human rights,” as well as “immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities & mental illness, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore.”
Local artist Panhandle Slim has also pledged to create a sign for every Savannah woman attending the march, "not only offering his art as a means to support the march, but to also ensure a unique visual representation among Savannah attendees," says the spokesperson.
The Savannah fleet of buses leaves on Friday, January 20 and will return Sunday, January 22.
For more info contact state organizer Courtnay Papy or visit www.wmowga.com
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Alderman Van R. Johnson II of Savannah, GA was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) board of directors by NLC’s membership at the group’s annual business meeting recently.
"Johnson was elected to his fourth one-year term and will play an important role as a leader of the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials," says a City of Savannah spokesperson.
“I am blessed to again be elected by my peers to serve this great organization,” Johnson said. He added, “This means that Savannah remains at the national table, particularly with the change in Presidential administrations. Our national relationships will continue to benefit Savannah locally.”
In his role on the Board, "Johnson will meet throughout the year to guide NLC’s strategic direction and set the organization’s advocacy priorities and operational goals," the City says. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee, and are confirmed by a vote by NLC’s membership.
"Johnson was elected to his fourth one-year term and will play an important role as a leader of the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials," says a City of Savannah spokesperson.
“I am blessed to again be elected by my peers to serve this great organization,” Johnson said. He added, “This means that Savannah remains at the national table, particularly with the change in Presidential administrations. Our national relationships will continue to benefit Savannah locally.”
In his role on the Board, "Johnson will meet throughout the year to guide NLC’s strategic direction and set the organization’s advocacy priorities and operational goals," the City says. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee, and are confirmed by a vote by NLC’s membership.
