Thursday, April 30, 2015
Special Victims Unit detectives are investigating a report of a sexual assault of a teen-aged girl in the Cuyler-Brownsville area early Sunday morning.
"The 14-year-old reported she let her dog out in the yard near Hopkins Street and West 44th Street Lane about 4 a.m. and then followed it into the lane when it slipped from its leash," a police spokesman says.
"There a male she had seen in the lane grabbed her from behind. She awakened on a porch with indications she had possibly been sexually assaulted."
The assailant was described as a black male with a dark complexion, approximately 5- foot-7 to 5-8 in height and a thin build.
Both Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police and Chatham County-Savannah Public School System campus police "have been conducting extra patrols of the area and schools have been warning girls walking alone to avoid lanes and hidden areas and to call Emergency 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious after several teen-aged girls have reported being accosted by a tall, slender black male who covered his face with a shirt," police say.
"The 14-year-old reported she let her dog out in the yard near Hopkins Street and West 44th Street Lane about 4 a.m. and then followed it into the lane when it slipped from its leash," a police spokesman says.
"There a male she had seen in the lane grabbed her from behind. She awakened on a porch with indications she had possibly been sexually assaulted."
The assailant was described as a black male with a dark complexion, approximately 5- foot-7 to 5-8 in height and a thin build.
Both Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police and Chatham County-Savannah Public School System campus police "have been conducting extra patrols of the area and schools have been warning girls walking alone to avoid lanes and hidden areas and to call Emergency 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious after several teen-aged girls have reported being accosted by a tall, slender black male who covered his face with a shirt," police say.
Efforts by SCMPD SWAT and hostage negotiators "to save an active Army soldier who had threatened suicide failed Wednesday afternoon when officers entered his apartment and found him deceased in an apartment on Fenwick Village Drive about 3:50 p.m.," a police spokesperson says.
The name of the 30-year-old victim is being withheld until the Army can contact other family members.
West Chatham Precinct patrol officers had been called to the apartment complex at 11:52 a.m. by family members.
Violent Crimes detectives, forensics officers and Army CID investigators are working on the investigation along with the coroner’s office. Chaplains from SCMPD and the Army were on scene.
The name of the 30-year-old victim is being withheld until the Army can contact other family members.
West Chatham Precinct patrol officers had been called to the apartment complex at 11:52 a.m. by family members.
Violent Crimes detectives, forensics officers and Army CID investigators are working on the investigation along with the coroner’s office. Chaplains from SCMPD and the Army were on scene.
Detectives from the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the shooting of a Savannah man Wednesday afternoon.
Cedrico Wallace, 20, was transported for treatment after the shooting on Cabell Street at East 32nd Street about 3:53 p.m.
"Wallace was walking with two other males south on Cabell Street when someone began shooting at them from behind bushes beside a house," police say. "All three fled but Wallace received non-life threatening wounds."
A black male was seen running from the scene with a handgun and entering a black Honda Accord nearby that sped away.
Cedrico Wallace, 20, was transported for treatment after the shooting on Cabell Street at East 32nd Street about 3:53 p.m.
"Wallace was walking with two other males south on Cabell Street when someone began shooting at them from behind bushes beside a house," police say. "All three fled but Wallace received non-life threatening wounds."
A black male was seen running from the scene with a handgun and entering a black Honda Accord nearby that sped away.
Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old Savannah man who was found beside a street Sunday night.
Rashad Biggins was transported to Memorial University Medical Center after he was found lying on the sidewalk on MLK Boulevard at Henry Street about 9:41 p.m. He died there shortly afterward.
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By unofficial count that brings the number of murders in the jurisdiction of Savannah/Chatham County Metro Police to 11 so far through the first four months of 2015.
Rashad Biggins was transported to Memorial University Medical Center after he was found lying on the sidewalk on MLK Boulevard at Henry Street about 9:41 p.m. He died there shortly afterward.
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By unofficial count that brings the number of murders in the jurisdiction of Savannah/Chatham County Metro Police to 11 so far through the first four months of 2015.
Police are investigating a fatal shooting Friday night and the crash of a minivan nearby. Derek Johnson, 19, died after being taken to a hospital after the 8:27 p.m. shooting on the 2100 block of Glynwood Drive, reported in a previous News Brief item.
“He had been in a parked car with other individuals when a minivan drove by and someone in it began firing at the car,” police say. “The minivan sped away and the driver of the car drove Johnson for treatment.”
Shortly after, a minivan similar to the one described in the shooting was located wrecked on the northbound entrance ramp to the Truman from Derenne Avenue.
Thelron Gregory Winbush Jr., 20, was arrested and charged with murder. A second suspect, Za’Kee Jaquan Robinson, 19, of Thunderbolt, turned himself in to police.
“He had been in a parked car with other individuals when a minivan drove by and someone in it began firing at the car,” police say. “The minivan sped away and the driver of the car drove Johnson for treatment.”
Shortly after, a minivan similar to the one described in the shooting was located wrecked on the northbound entrance ramp to the Truman from Derenne Avenue.
Thelron Gregory Winbush Jr., 20, was arrested and charged with murder. A second suspect, Za’Kee Jaquan Robinson, 19, of Thunderbolt, turned himself in to police.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting Friday night that left a victim in hospitalized and the crash of a minivan nearby.
Derek Johnson, 19, was transported to a hospital after the 8:27 p.m. shooting on the 2100 block of Glynwood Drive.
"He had been in a parked car with other individuals when a minivan drove by and someone in it began firing at the car," police say. "The minivan sped away and the driver of the car drove Johnson for treatment."
Shortly after, a minivan similar to the one described in the shooting was located wrecked on the northbound entrance ramp to the Truman Parkway from Derenne Avenue. The occupants of the minivan were seen running from the scene.
Violent Crimes Unit detectives are working to determine "if the crashed minivan was the one involved and are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to help by providing information."
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124 and most area clergy have agreed to serve as liaisons for anyone who would like to share information with police anonymously.
Derek Johnson, 19, was transported to a hospital after the 8:27 p.m. shooting on the 2100 block of Glynwood Drive.
"He had been in a parked car with other individuals when a minivan drove by and someone in it began firing at the car," police say. "The minivan sped away and the driver of the car drove Johnson for treatment."
Shortly after, a minivan similar to the one described in the shooting was located wrecked on the northbound entrance ramp to the Truman Parkway from Derenne Avenue. The occupants of the minivan were seen running from the scene.
Violent Crimes Unit detectives are working to determine "if the crashed minivan was the one involved and are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to help by providing information."
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124 and most area clergy have agreed to serve as liaisons for anyone who would like to share information with police anonymously.
Friday, April 24, 2015
An 18-year-old suspect is under arrest "and nursing K9 bite marks after fighting with police and a witness who followed him several blocks after he snatched a purse from a woman in downtown Savannah Wednesday night," police say.
The suspect, "who is not identified in this release to give Robbery Unit detectives from the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department time to interview victims of similar attacks," refused treatment of the bite wounds at the scene of the arrest. He was transported for treatment before being taken to the Chatham County Detention Center.
He has been charged with robbery, obstruction by fleeing and obstruction by resisting arrest. Detectives are investigating similar attacks to determine if he could have been involved.
Downtown Precinct officers responded to Lincoln and East Huntington streets at 9:04 p.m. Wednesday after a purse was snatched from a 21-year-old woman who was pulled to the ground. She received minor injuries.
"Meanwhile, a 36-year-old resident of the area followed the suspect five blocks and helped an officer apprehend him at East Broad Street and Gaston Street Lane," police say.
"The suspect was fighting the officer and witness until a Metro K9 officer arrived and ordered him to stop. When he continued, K9 Toro completed the arrest."
The suspect, "who is not identified in this release to give Robbery Unit detectives from the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department time to interview victims of similar attacks," refused treatment of the bite wounds at the scene of the arrest. He was transported for treatment before being taken to the Chatham County Detention Center.
He has been charged with robbery, obstruction by fleeing and obstruction by resisting arrest. Detectives are investigating similar attacks to determine if he could have been involved.
Downtown Precinct officers responded to Lincoln and East Huntington streets at 9:04 p.m. Wednesday after a purse was snatched from a 21-year-old woman who was pulled to the ground. She received minor injuries.
"Meanwhile, a 36-year-old resident of the area followed the suspect five blocks and helped an officer apprehend him at East Broad Street and Gaston Street Lane," police say.
"The suspect was fighting the officer and witness until a Metro K9 officer arrived and ordered him to stop. When he continued, K9 Toro completed the arrest."
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes and Islands Precinct Crime Suppression units arrested Darnell Paige, 47, for stabbing his brother during a domestic altercation on April 12.
At 12:40 Wednesday afternoon, Paige was arrested at his residence on the 7200 block of Skidaway Road.
"Paige’s arrest stems from a fight with his 44-year-old brother, outside of his Skidaway Road residence several weeks prior," a police spokesman says.
"Investigators believe Paige pistol whipped and stabbed his brother multiple times with a kitchen knife after his brother shattered several windows of Paige’s 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo."
The victim was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for care.
Paige is charged with aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of crime.
At 12:40 Wednesday afternoon, Paige was arrested at his residence on the 7200 block of Skidaway Road.
"Paige’s arrest stems from a fight with his 44-year-old brother, outside of his Skidaway Road residence several weeks prior," a police spokesman says.
"Investigators believe Paige pistol whipped and stabbed his brother multiple times with a kitchen knife after his brother shattered several windows of Paige’s 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo."
The victim was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for care.
Paige is charged with aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of crime.
"In less than 24 hours, Southside Precinct patrols officers of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department arrested five entering auto suspects in two separate incidents on Sunday," a police spokesperson says.
The first happened at 3:53 a.m. at an apartment complex on the 12000 block of Largo Drive. Southside Precinct officers responded to reports of two suspects breaking into two cars. Officers were given descriptions of the suspects, who had left the scene to attend a party in the apartment complex. The suspects were arrested at the party.
The suspects were identified as James Kelly, 22, and Josh Simmons, 19. A firearm reported stolen in 2011 and checks reported stolen from 2010 to 2015 were in Kelly’s possession during his arrest. Kelly is charged with entering auto, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by receiving a stolen firearm, and theft by receiving for the checks. Simmons was arrested and charged with entering auto.
Sunday, at 4:25 a.m., James Smith, 17, and two juvenile males were arrested by Southside Precinct officers responding to a reported entering auto in progress, at a car dealership on the 8900 block of Abercorn Street. Surveillance camera footage showed the three suspects attempting to enter several vehicles in the car lot. Also, security cameras captured the suspects entering a Volvo then proceeding to drive it. Two additional suspects fled on foot.
The suspects attempted to flee toward Abercorn Street in the Volvo. They were hindered by a barricade in the lot.
Keys to three vehicles were recovered by police during the arrests and were later returned to the owner. The three suspects are charged with loitering and prowling, entering auto and auto theft. The two juveniles also are charged with curfew violation.
The first happened at 3:53 a.m. at an apartment complex on the 12000 block of Largo Drive. Southside Precinct officers responded to reports of two suspects breaking into two cars. Officers were given descriptions of the suspects, who had left the scene to attend a party in the apartment complex. The suspects were arrested at the party.
The suspects were identified as James Kelly, 22, and Josh Simmons, 19. A firearm reported stolen in 2011 and checks reported stolen from 2010 to 2015 were in Kelly’s possession during his arrest. Kelly is charged with entering auto, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by receiving a stolen firearm, and theft by receiving for the checks. Simmons was arrested and charged with entering auto.
Sunday, at 4:25 a.m., James Smith, 17, and two juvenile males were arrested by Southside Precinct officers responding to a reported entering auto in progress, at a car dealership on the 8900 block of Abercorn Street. Surveillance camera footage showed the three suspects attempting to enter several vehicles in the car lot. Also, security cameras captured the suspects entering a Volvo then proceeding to drive it. Two additional suspects fled on foot.
The suspects attempted to flee toward Abercorn Street in the Volvo. They were hindered by a barricade in the lot.
Keys to three vehicles were recovered by police during the arrests and were later returned to the owner. The three suspects are charged with loitering and prowling, entering auto and auto theft. The two juveniles also are charged with curfew violation.
The City of Savannah "has weighed in on a continuing investigation by Metro’s newly assigned drug unit into the actions of a Savannah businessman selling illegal military weapons to convicted felons with a court order to padlock the business’ building," a spokesperson says.
City revenue officers joined by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (UNIT) officers, Crime Suppression Units and federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents, convened on the buildings on the 5500 block of Montgomery Street at 2 p.m. today.
They served a court order by Recorder’s Court Chief Judge Tammy Stokes signed Thursday ordering Jamie L. Defrietas, wife of owner Wesley Defrietas and president of the company, to cease operating Warriors Gear, LLC, based on violations of the city tax certificate.
"Wesley Defrietas is on bond for a federal indictment stemming from a search of the building in May 2014 and is ordered to appear in court May 11 to show cause why he should be allowed to continue operating the business," the spokesman says.
The court order mentions that military rifle cleaning kits, silencers, firearms components and accessories, gas masks, body armor, small arms protective inserts, explosives, firearms, high capacity rifle magazines and ammunition were being stored and sold at the locations. It also points out that Warriors Gear continued to receive and sell such items after the first search warrant was served in 2014.
ATF, UNIT, CSU and Explosive Ordnance Device (bomb squad) officers have executed various raids on the businesses and storage facilities and have determined that the weapons, many of them illegal for civilian use, had been sold to convicted felons and others.
“After hearing sworn testimony, I conclude that it (court order) is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Savannah,” Stokes’ order reads.
The investigation into the operation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are expected.
City revenue officers joined by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team (UNIT) officers, Crime Suppression Units and federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents, convened on the buildings on the 5500 block of Montgomery Street at 2 p.m. today.
They served a court order by Recorder’s Court Chief Judge Tammy Stokes signed Thursday ordering Jamie L. Defrietas, wife of owner Wesley Defrietas and president of the company, to cease operating Warriors Gear, LLC, based on violations of the city tax certificate.
"Wesley Defrietas is on bond for a federal indictment stemming from a search of the building in May 2014 and is ordered to appear in court May 11 to show cause why he should be allowed to continue operating the business," the spokesman says.
The court order mentions that military rifle cleaning kits, silencers, firearms components and accessories, gas masks, body armor, small arms protective inserts, explosives, firearms, high capacity rifle magazines and ammunition were being stored and sold at the locations. It also points out that Warriors Gear continued to receive and sell such items after the first search warrant was served in 2014.
ATF, UNIT, CSU and Explosive Ordnance Device (bomb squad) officers have executed various raids on the businesses and storage facilities and have determined that the weapons, many of them illegal for civilian use, had been sold to convicted felons and others.
“After hearing sworn testimony, I conclude that it (court order) is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Savannah,” Stokes’ order reads.
The investigation into the operation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are expected.
