Wednesday, March 15, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force "wrapped up a successful four-day operation that concluded with 11 felony arrests and eight misdemeanor arrests," the department reports.
“The mission of the Task Force was to address the recent increase in violent crime by targeting prolific offenders of violent crime, to include those involved in recent incidents,” said Lt. Tonya Reid, “We targeted high crime areas where these offenders are known to frequent, as well as areas where drugs and gangs are prevalent.”
The Task Force was a collaboration between SCMPD’s End Gun Violence: Step Forward initiative, Strategic Investigation Unit, Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center, Violent Crimes, Robbery, Crime Suppression, K-9, Aviation, Traffic Unit, and the Department of Community Supervision.
"Undercover and uniformed officers used intelligence-led policing methods to focus in on challenging neighborhoods, targeting specific individuals who are linked to the violence in Savannah," police report.
“This is our community. We’re not going to tolerate the violence, and this task force helps to reinforce that message,” Special Investigations Section Commander Capt. Lenny Gunther said. “We will continue to be vigilant. Groups or individuals that ignore our message will be placed under our laser focus, just like they were here.”
Those with felony charges include:
Desmond Tolbert, 33, possession of controlled substance
Dominick Jackson, 33, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession with intent, possession of controlled substance
Phillip Moore, 22, possession of marijuana
Stephen Walker, 24, possession of firearm by convicted felon
Devonte Ruffin, 24, possession with intent
Jeffrey Scott, 33, possession with intent
Bobby Shields, 23, possession of controlled substance
Christopher Gamble, 26, felony probation violation warrant
Joseph Blake, 33, felony warrant
Jahkeem Bryant, 24, possession of firearm during commission of crime
Torrey Milton, 27, federal warrant
“The mission of the Task Force was to address the recent increase in violent crime by targeting prolific offenders of violent crime, to include those involved in recent incidents,” said Lt. Tonya Reid, “We targeted high crime areas where these offenders are known to frequent, as well as areas where drugs and gangs are prevalent.”
The Task Force was a collaboration between SCMPD’s End Gun Violence: Step Forward initiative, Strategic Investigation Unit, Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center, Violent Crimes, Robbery, Crime Suppression, K-9, Aviation, Traffic Unit, and the Department of Community Supervision.
"Undercover and uniformed officers used intelligence-led policing methods to focus in on challenging neighborhoods, targeting specific individuals who are linked to the violence in Savannah," police report.
“This is our community. We’re not going to tolerate the violence, and this task force helps to reinforce that message,” Special Investigations Section Commander Capt. Lenny Gunther said. “We will continue to be vigilant. Groups or individuals that ignore our message will be placed under our laser focus, just like they were here.”
Those with felony charges include:
Desmond Tolbert, 33, possession of controlled substance
Dominick Jackson, 33, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession with intent, possession of controlled substance
Phillip Moore, 22, possession of marijuana
Stephen Walker, 24, possession of firearm by convicted felon
Devonte Ruffin, 24, possession with intent
Jeffrey Scott, 33, possession with intent
Bobby Shields, 23, possession of controlled substance
Christopher Gamble, 26, felony probation violation warrant
Joseph Blake, 33, felony warrant
Jahkeem Bryant, 24, possession of firearm during commission of crime
Torrey Milton, 27, federal warrant
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police detectives are investigating the shooting of a male, 15, on Monday, Mar. 13.
"At around 6:30 p.m., Metro officers responded to a home on the 2000 block of Massachusetts Avenue after reports of a shooting. Reportedly, a group of teens were in the home when the shooting occurred," police report.
"The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. Detectives do not believe this to be a random shooting," police say.
The 15-year-old is in the hospital in critical condition.
"At around 6:30 p.m., Metro officers responded to a home on the 2000 block of Massachusetts Avenue after reports of a shooting. Reportedly, a group of teens were in the home when the shooting occurred," police report.
"The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. Detectives do not believe this to be a random shooting," police say.
The 15-year-old is in the hospital in critical condition.
Monday, March 13, 2017
The scheduled performance by Gregg Allman for this June at the Lucas Theatre has been canceled, along with the rest of the singer's dates for this year, a spokesperson says.
“It has been determined that Gregg Allman will not be touring in 2017. Allman looks forward to returning to the road in the future. Refunds are available at point of purchase," the spokesperson says.
At least 28 Allman dates in 2016 were canceled due to health reasons.
“It has been determined that Gregg Allman will not be touring in 2017. Allman looks forward to returning to the road in the future. Refunds are available at point of purchase," the spokesperson says.
At least 28 Allman dates in 2016 were canceled due to health reasons.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Today, the Armstrong State University/Georgia Southern University Athletics Operational Working Group announced that "it will recommend to the Consolidation Implementation Committee (CIC) that intercollegiate competition end at Armstrong State University following the current 2016-17 athletic year," a Working Group spokesperson reports.
Several factors have led to the recommendation, the spokesperson says, "most important, the health and safety of student-athletes. Due to changes in athletics rosters that have already occurred, most sports will no longer have enough student-athletes to adequately support a full season, placing remaining student-athletes in potentially harmful playing situations."
“This was a very difficult decision, but it is in the best interest of our student-athletes,” said Lisa Sweany, Armstrong’s athletic director. “This decision is being made now so that student-athletes and staff can focus on their future and what is in their best interest. I'm very proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and administrators have accomplished during my time at Armstrong.”
Women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s basketball have completed their championship segments and will not participate in further intercollegiate competition. Baseball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s golf are currently in season and will each finish their 2017 spring semester of competition.
By discontinuing Armstrong’s athletics programs at the conclusion of the 2016-17 athletic year, "any student-athlete who elects to transfer at the end of the Spring 2017 semester can apply the dropped sport exception, which allows them to compete immediately, without sitting a year in residency," the Group reports.
As decided by the Consolidation Implementation Committee on March 3, "all athletics-related scholarships for affected student athletes will be honored, provided students are making satisfactory academic progress. This plan will allow student-athletes who are affected by the consolidation to continue their education without bearing an additional financial burden," they say.
The Athletics Operational Working Group is working on the recommended structure of the new Georgia Southern University Athletic Department. Armstrong coaches and administrators will continue to have roles through December 2017.
“All of our student athletes, coaches and athletics staff are valued members of our Armstrong family,” said Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken. “We are working with them to create outcomes that are as positive as possible.”
Pending approval of the recommendation by the CIC to end Armstrong athletics, the current 2016-17 season will end 50 years of Pirate athletics.
Several factors have led to the recommendation, the spokesperson says, "most important, the health and safety of student-athletes. Due to changes in athletics rosters that have already occurred, most sports will no longer have enough student-athletes to adequately support a full season, placing remaining student-athletes in potentially harmful playing situations."
“This was a very difficult decision, but it is in the best interest of our student-athletes,” said Lisa Sweany, Armstrong’s athletic director. “This decision is being made now so that student-athletes and staff can focus on their future and what is in their best interest. I'm very proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and administrators have accomplished during my time at Armstrong.”
Women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s basketball have completed their championship segments and will not participate in further intercollegiate competition. Baseball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s golf are currently in season and will each finish their 2017 spring semester of competition.
By discontinuing Armstrong’s athletics programs at the conclusion of the 2016-17 athletic year, "any student-athlete who elects to transfer at the end of the Spring 2017 semester can apply the dropped sport exception, which allows them to compete immediately, without sitting a year in residency," the Group reports.
As decided by the Consolidation Implementation Committee on March 3, "all athletics-related scholarships for affected student athletes will be honored, provided students are making satisfactory academic progress. This plan will allow student-athletes who are affected by the consolidation to continue their education without bearing an additional financial burden," they say.
The Athletics Operational Working Group is working on the recommended structure of the new Georgia Southern University Athletic Department. Armstrong coaches and administrators will continue to have roles through December 2017.
“All of our student athletes, coaches and athletics staff are valued members of our Armstrong family,” said Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken. “We are working with them to create outcomes that are as positive as possible.”
Pending approval of the recommendation by the CIC to end Armstrong athletics, the current 2016-17 season will end 50 years of Pirate athletics.
Location Details
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department is investigating "a shooting and a vehicle crash in West Savannah at the intersection of W. Bay Street and Graham Avenue on Monday, March 6, 2017 around 8:00 p.m.," a department spokesperson says.
The victims, Shawn Jivens, 37, and Nikolas Lipsey, 33, were driving in a red vehicle.
"Purportedly, the occupants of an unknown white or silver vehicle pulled in front of the victims and began shooting. Jivens and Lipsey attempted to flee the area but were involved in a traffic crash at Graham Avenue. The unknown vehicle stopped and fired several more shots," police say.
Jivens and Lipsey were both shot and are listed in stable condition at an area hospital. The occupants of the other vehicle in the traffic crash were treated and released on the scene, police say.
At this time in the investigations, detectives say they do not believe this was a random shooting.
The victims, Shawn Jivens, 37, and Nikolas Lipsey, 33, were driving in a red vehicle.
"Purportedly, the occupants of an unknown white or silver vehicle pulled in front of the victims and began shooting. Jivens and Lipsey attempted to flee the area but were involved in a traffic crash at Graham Avenue. The unknown vehicle stopped and fired several more shots," police say.
Jivens and Lipsey were both shot and are listed in stable condition at an area hospital. The occupants of the other vehicle in the traffic crash were treated and released on the scene, police say.
At this time in the investigations, detectives say they do not believe this was a random shooting.
Monday, March 6, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred in the 800 block of Crosby Street at approximately 5 p.m. on Monday, March 6.
The victim is Kevin Jackson, 16.
"According to investigators it appears Jackson was approached by a black male with dreadlocks and was shot," police say. "The suspect may have left the scene in a black pickup truck. At this time detectives believe this was not a random shooting and the investigation is ongoing."
The victim is Kevin Jackson, 16.
"According to investigators it appears Jackson was approached by a black male with dreadlocks and was shot," police say. "The suspect may have left the scene in a black pickup truck. At this time detectives believe this was not a random shooting and the investigation is ongoing."
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metro Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in the 1500 block of East 34th Street on Mar. 5.
"Officers were called to the area at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Mar. 5. They located Saundra Thomas, 47, who had succumbed to her injuries. Detectives are investigating her death as a homicide," police report.
No other details were available.
"Officers were called to the area at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Mar. 5. They located Saundra Thomas, 47, who had succumbed to her injuries. Detectives are investigating her death as a homicide," police report.
No other details were available.
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting at the Suburban Extended Stay, in the 10600 block of Abercorn Extension at approximately 9:50 a.m. on Mar. 5.
"A child, 4, was shot in the hand. Investigators say it appears there was no criminal intent involved," police say.
Detectives are looking for a person of interest. "Anthony Taylor, 41, is needed for questioning in relation to this case. He fled the scene before officers arrived," police say.
Police report that he is a black male and was last seen wearing a black Jordan shirt and black Jordan pants. He is approximately 6’2” tall and weighs 350 pounds. He has short, buzzed hair and low-cut facial hair. He was last seen driving a newer model, silver Dodge 4-door truck with a paper tag. If he is seen, call 911.
"A child, 4, was shot in the hand. Investigators say it appears there was no criminal intent involved," police say.
Detectives are looking for a person of interest. "Anthony Taylor, 41, is needed for questioning in relation to this case. He fled the scene before officers arrived," police say.
Police report that he is a black male and was last seen wearing a black Jordan shirt and black Jordan pants. He is approximately 6’2” tall and weighs 350 pounds. He has short, buzzed hair and low-cut facial hair. He was last seen driving a newer model, silver Dodge 4-door truck with a paper tag. If he is seen, call 911.
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department is investigating "a fight and subsequent shooting that occurred in the 300 block of West Congress Street at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Mar. 5," police say.
Joshua Pair, 39, sustained non-life threatening injuries.
"All parties involved in the fight and shooting remained on scene until officers arrived and were questioned by detectives," police say. "The investigation is ongoing and charges are forthcoming."
Joshua Pair, 39, sustained non-life threatening injuries.
"All parties involved in the fight and shooting remained on scene until officers arrived and were questioned by detectives," police say. "The investigation is ongoing and charges are forthcoming."
Friday, March 3, 2017
Earlier today, the Armstrong State University/Georgia Southern University Consolidation Implementation Committee (CIC) met and approved four recommendations submitted by its various Operational Working Groups (OWG).
The approved recommendations include:
·
The Georgia Southern University campus located in Savannah will be formally named the Armstrong Campus; the Georgia Southern campus located in Hinesville will be formally named the Liberty Campus.
All named structures currently existing on the Armstrong campus will retain their historic names.
Transfer Status for Student-Athletes: Student athletes will be immediately issued open transfer status by Armstrong’s athletic administration, with the exception of softball, whose playing season is currently in progress. "When softball season has concluded, the participating student-athletes will immediately be issued an open transfer status by Armstrong’s athletic administration. This will ensure that student-athletes do not lose any eligibility," a committee spokesperson reports.
Athletics Scholarships: All athletics-related scholarships for affected student-athletes will be honored, provided students are making satisfactory academic progress. "This plan will allow student-athletes who are affected by the consolidation to continue their education without bearing an additional financial burden," the spokesperson says.
On Jan. 11, 2017, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to consolidate Armstrong State University and Georgia Southern University, ultimately creating a new Georgia Southern University with three campus locations in Savannah, Hinesville and Statesboro.
The approved recommendations include:
·
The Georgia Southern University campus located in Savannah will be formally named the Armstrong Campus; the Georgia Southern campus located in Hinesville will be formally named the Liberty Campus.
All named structures currently existing on the Armstrong campus will retain their historic names.
Transfer Status for Student-Athletes: Student athletes will be immediately issued open transfer status by Armstrong’s athletic administration, with the exception of softball, whose playing season is currently in progress. "When softball season has concluded, the participating student-athletes will immediately be issued an open transfer status by Armstrong’s athletic administration. This will ensure that student-athletes do not lose any eligibility," a committee spokesperson reports.
Athletics Scholarships: All athletics-related scholarships for affected student-athletes will be honored, provided students are making satisfactory academic progress. "This plan will allow student-athletes who are affected by the consolidation to continue their education without bearing an additional financial burden," the spokesperson says.
On Jan. 11, 2017, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to consolidate Armstrong State University and Georgia Southern University, ultimately creating a new Georgia Southern University with three campus locations in Savannah, Hinesville and Statesboro.
