Wednesday, February 10, 2016
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force conducted 16 felony and 33 misdemeanor arrests Feb. 5-9 as part of an initiative focused on local crime prevention through the removal of violent offenders, drugs and illegal weapons.
The 16 felony arrests consisted of five possessions of a controlled substance, three possessions of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, three possessions of a firearm by a convicted felon, two fleeing to elude, one theft by receiving stolen firearm, one felony warrant, and one parole violation. A total of 14 firearms were seized, with four of those being reported as stolen.
“The task force did an outstanding job getting guns and drugs off the street, but more importantly we arrested the felons who perpetuate crime in our city,” said Capt. Ashley Brown, commander of the Violent Crimes Task Force. “We will continue to conduct these types of operations and clean up the streets of Savannah.”
Officers also conducted 33 misdemeanor arrests, 127 traffic citations, and 75 field interviews.
"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," said Sonny Cohrs of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
The task force had assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.
The 16 felony arrests consisted of five possessions of a controlled substance, three possessions of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, three possessions of a firearm by a convicted felon, two fleeing to elude, one theft by receiving stolen firearm, one felony warrant, and one parole violation. A total of 14 firearms were seized, with four of those being reported as stolen.
“The task force did an outstanding job getting guns and drugs off the street, but more importantly we arrested the felons who perpetuate crime in our city,” said Capt. Ashley Brown, commander of the Violent Crimes Task Force. “We will continue to conduct these types of operations and clean up the streets of Savannah.”
Officers also conducted 33 misdemeanor arrests, 127 traffic citations, and 75 field interviews.
"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," said Sonny Cohrs of the SCMPD's Public Affairs Office.
The task force had assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.
Tags: crime , violent crimes task force , scmpd
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Detectives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department seek to identify and locate a suspect linked to a Wilmington Island shoplifting and downtown Savannah vehicular accident Wednesday night.
"Metro officers responded to Walmart on the 4000 block of East US Highway 80 after reports of a male shoplifter seen leaving the scene in a white Dodge Charger," police say.
"Shortly after, a Metro officer spotted a vehicle matching that description traveling westbound on President Street near Pennsylvania Avenue. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed as the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Harry S. Truman Parkway," police say.
"The officer then discontinued further pursuit of the vehicle. The suspect continued westbound until losing control of his vehicle, then crashing into Greene Square at the intersection of President and Houston streets."
Property damage to the square was reported. No injuries were reported, police say. The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.
"Metro officers responded to Walmart on the 4000 block of East US Highway 80 after reports of a male shoplifter seen leaving the scene in a white Dodge Charger," police say.
"Shortly after, a Metro officer spotted a vehicle matching that description traveling westbound on President Street near Pennsylvania Avenue. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed as the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Harry S. Truman Parkway," police say.
"The officer then discontinued further pursuit of the vehicle. The suspect continued westbound until losing control of his vehicle, then crashing into Greene Square at the intersection of President and Houston streets."
Property damage to the square was reported. No injuries were reported, police say. The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Detectives are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m., Feb. 4, in the 100 block of West 49th Street.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30-40 years old, 5’7 to 5’9, average build, and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.
"The suspect reportedly approached the 24-year-old victim, pointed a gun at him and demanded money. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene on foot headed south on Barnard Street," police say.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30-40 years old, 5’7 to 5’9, average build, and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.
"The suspect reportedly approached the 24-year-old victim, pointed a gun at him and demanded money. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene on foot headed south on Barnard Street," police say.
Detectives are investigating an alleged armed robbery that occurred at 2 a.m., Feb. 4, in the 8500 block of Waters Avenue.
"A 25-year-old male victim was reportedly robbed at gunpoint and then shot after going outside to get diapers from his vehicle. The victim went to Memorial University Medical Center for his injuries. SCMPD investigators responded once the shooting was reported at approximately 2 p.m., Feb. 4," police say.
"A 25-year-old male victim was reportedly robbed at gunpoint and then shot after going outside to get diapers from his vehicle. The victim went to Memorial University Medical Center for his injuries. SCMPD investigators responded once the shooting was reported at approximately 2 p.m., Feb. 4," police say.
Robert Fallin
Robert Fallin, 66, is charged with simple battery (domestic violence assault) and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
"Hostage negotiators communicated sporadically with Fallin for nearly 10 hours and eventually talked him out of the residence where he was arrested without further incident," police say.
SCMPD patrol officers initially responded to a domestic disturbance call at the residence at approximately noon, Feb. 4.
"The victim went to a neighbor’s house and had the neighbor call 911. As a precaution, the victim was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation," police say.
"When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with Fallin inside his residence when the suspect then brandished a gun. As a result, SWAT, the hostage negotiation team, and the explosive ordnance team were dispatched to the scene."
Police say the special operations units used remote-controlled robots to view inside the apartment and attempt to communicate with the suspect; "however, Fallin fired multiple shots at the robots and disabled them," they say.
At one point, "Fallin also fired several shots in the direction of police officers on the exterior of the apartment. Although Metro officers never returned fire, they did deploy CS tear gas rounds into the suspect’s apartment in an attempt to force him out of the residence," police ay.
Throughout the incident, negotiators continued communication attempts with Fallin and convinced him to surrender. After being taken into custody, he was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for medical evaluation, SCMPD headquarters for questioning and then the Chatham County Detention Center.
“This was a long and tense ordeal, but our Metro officers and particularly our special operations units handled it safely and professionally,” said Capt. Carl Ramey, West Chatham Precinct commander. “This certainly could have gone much worse, but in the end everyone went home safely.”
Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin Sr., also commended the officers for their teamwork during the 10-hour ordeal, noting the restraint demonstrated by both the first responding officers and the SWAT team based on their principles and training on the sanctity of human life.
“This is a great example of our officers’ professionalism and their use of evolving police principles,” Lumpkin said. “We kept the residents safe, the officers safe, and ultimately the suspect safe. Our SWAT was ready for any eventuality, but our communication and patience paid off in the end. This was an excellent ending to a potentially bad situation.”
Detectives are investigating the shooting of two men outside of a gas station on the 1800 block of Montgomery Street that resulted in the death of one Friday night.
"At about 8:15 p.m. Metro responded to the scene, finding Jerald Allen, 36, and Rashiid Wright, 26, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center, where Allen succumbed to his injuries. Wright’s injuries were non-life-threatening," police say.
Suspect information and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
"At about 8:15 p.m. Metro responded to the scene, finding Jerald Allen, 36, and Rashiid Wright, 26, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center, where Allen succumbed to his injuries. Wright’s injuries were non-life-threatening," police say.
Suspect information and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Unit is investigating an aggravated battery reported on the 1700 block of Staley Avenue at approximately 1:41 p.m. Feb. 2.
"The victim, a 61-year-old male, and the suspect were inside the victim’s residence. A physical altercation, resulting in non-life threatening injuries to the victim, ensued before the suspect fled the residence. The victim was treated on scene," police say.
"Once outside the residence, the suspect fired a gun to gain entry into the victim’s vehicle from which he stole an undisclosed amount of money."
Investigators are searching for a slender black male suspect of a light brown complexion, possibly in his early to mid-20s and approximately 165 pounds. The suspect wore a white t-shirt and gray sweat suit during the incident. He was last seen fleeing the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
"The victim, a 61-year-old male, and the suspect were inside the victim’s residence. A physical altercation, resulting in non-life threatening injuries to the victim, ensued before the suspect fled the residence. The victim was treated on scene," police say.
"Once outside the residence, the suspect fired a gun to gain entry into the victim’s vehicle from which he stole an undisclosed amount of money."
Investigators are searching for a slender black male suspect of a light brown complexion, possibly in his early to mid-20s and approximately 165 pounds. The suspect wore a white t-shirt and gray sweat suit during the incident. He was last seen fleeing the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp says there is "a new voter registration record in Georgia.... Over the last seven days, 54,385 Georgians registered to vote or updated their registration status using the office’s Online Voter Registration website (OLVR)," says a spokesperson.
“These numbers are unprecedented on OLVR and show that Georgians are excited about the SEC Primary,” said Kemp. “Georgians deserve this opportunity to have their voices heard on the issues affecting the needs of our state.”
Secretary Kemp launched OLVR in March 2014 as a way for Georgians to register to vote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "As a part of the roll-out, the Secretary of State’s office encouraged high school students and first time voters to register through the platform."
Over the last seven days, 37,903 Georgians registered to vote for the first time using OLVR, the Secretary's office says.
The largest registration day was Monday, February 1, the last day to register for the March 1 contest, when 21,351 voters used the platform. By the final hours of Monday traffic on the site increased to one new or updated voter registration every three seconds.
“It was always my hope that this easier and more convenient form of voter registration would increase in popularity so voters and counties could register more quickly than with a paper application. It is safe to say that day has come,” said Kemp.
Early voting for the SEC Primary begins Monday, February 8. Voters can find their early voting location and view a sample ballot at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or by using the “GA Votes” smartphone app. Early voting locations are open during regular business hours, and Saturday voting will be available in all counties on Saturday, February 20.
The polls on Election Day, March 1, will be open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
“These numbers are unprecedented on OLVR and show that Georgians are excited about the SEC Primary,” said Kemp. “Georgians deserve this opportunity to have their voices heard on the issues affecting the needs of our state.”
Secretary Kemp launched OLVR in March 2014 as a way for Georgians to register to vote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "As a part of the roll-out, the Secretary of State’s office encouraged high school students and first time voters to register through the platform."
Over the last seven days, 37,903 Georgians registered to vote for the first time using OLVR, the Secretary's office says.
The largest registration day was Monday, February 1, the last day to register for the March 1 contest, when 21,351 voters used the platform. By the final hours of Monday traffic on the site increased to one new or updated voter registration every three seconds.
“It was always my hope that this easier and more convenient form of voter registration would increase in popularity so voters and counties could register more quickly than with a paper application. It is safe to say that day has come,” said Kemp.
Early voting for the SEC Primary begins Monday, February 8. Voters can find their early voting location and view a sample ballot at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or by using the “GA Votes” smartphone app. Early voting locations are open during regular business hours, and Saturday voting will be available in all counties on Saturday, February 20.
The polls on Election Day, March 1, will be open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
On Feb. 3, "Chatham County Sheriff’s deputies were notified by an anonymous caller that Malik Hawkins who was wanted on a felony probation warrant was at 2108 Causton Bluff Rd.," says a spokesman for the Sheriff's Dept.
"Deputies traveled to this location and made contact with Hawkins and placed him under arrest. While making the arrest deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana and also observed a large amount of U.S. currency in Hawkins pants pocket," the Dept. says.
"Hawkins was transported to the jail and his residence was secured and a search warrant was applied for. Once the warrant was signed by a judge a search of the residence was conducted. Deputy’s located scales, Crack Cocaine, Heroin and Oxycodone."
Hawkins is charged with trafficking in heroin, possession/intent to distribute Oxycodone, possession/intent to distribute crack, and probation violation.
"Deputies traveled to this location and made contact with Hawkins and placed him under arrest. While making the arrest deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana and also observed a large amount of U.S. currency in Hawkins pants pocket," the Dept. says.
"Hawkins was transported to the jail and his residence was secured and a search warrant was applied for. Once the warrant was signed by a judge a search of the residence was conducted. Deputy’s located scales, Crack Cocaine, Heroin and Oxycodone."
Hawkins is charged with trafficking in heroin, possession/intent to distribute Oxycodone, possession/intent to distribute crack, and probation violation.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Detectives are investigating the shooting of two men at a residence on the 100 block of Paradise Drive that resulted in the death of one late Friday night.
"At about 11:15 p.m. Metro responded to the scene, finding Damon Card, 22, and Wendell Washington, 22, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported by ambulance to Memorial university Medical Center, where Card succumbed to his injuries," police report.
"Investigators do not believe the shootings were random and seek to identify suspects and motives in this incident. Detectives are now searching for a white late 90s to early 2000s model sedan believed to have fled toward White Bluff Road just after the incident," police say.
"At about 11:15 p.m. Metro responded to the scene, finding Damon Card, 22, and Wendell Washington, 22, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported by ambulance to Memorial university Medical Center, where Card succumbed to his injuries," police report.
"Investigators do not believe the shootings were random and seek to identify suspects and motives in this incident. Detectives are now searching for a white late 90s to early 2000s model sedan believed to have fled toward White Bluff Road just after the incident," police say.
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