Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Citizens took action Monday night "when a man robbed a pet store, chasing the suspect into the middle of Victory Drive and holding him for arriving police," a police department spokesperson says.
Stephen Bernard Kibler, 44, of an East 39th Street address, was charged with robbery by intimidation after grabbing money from a cash register at PetSmart on Victory Drive about 9 p.m.
"WSAV-TV anchor Russ Riesinger was behind the man in the checkout line, witnessed the robbery and chased Kibler into the median on Victory Drive where he and another bystander held him for police," the spokesman says.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin Sr. praised the efforts of Riesinger and the unidentified citizen, but he cautioned citizens to make thoughtful, reasonable and prudent decisions about becoming physically involved in captures.
“We certainly appreciate and welcome the public becoming involved in the safety of the community and their efforts are crucial to our efforts,” Lumpkin said. “Cases are quickly closed and dangerous subjects removed from streets when witnesses identify them and advise officers the direction they ran. Typically, police officers are better trained to handle physical confrontations and equipped to do so. I worry when untrained citizens are involved.”
Central Precinct officers were on scene a minute after the call came in and took Kibler into custody.
Lumpkin plans to officially recognize the efforts of the two citizens this week.
“While I prefer that the public avoid physical confrontation, the involvement by witnesses in solving crimes is crucial to curtailing crimes in every jurisdiction,” Lumpkin said. “My thanks go out to Mr. Riesinger and the other gentleman who took action and took a stand.”
Stephen Bernard Kibler, 44, of an East 39th Street address, was charged with robbery by intimidation after grabbing money from a cash register at PetSmart on Victory Drive about 9 p.m.
"WSAV-TV anchor Russ Riesinger was behind the man in the checkout line, witnessed the robbery and chased Kibler into the median on Victory Drive where he and another bystander held him for police," the spokesman says.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin Sr. praised the efforts of Riesinger and the unidentified citizen, but he cautioned citizens to make thoughtful, reasonable and prudent decisions about becoming physically involved in captures.
“We certainly appreciate and welcome the public becoming involved in the safety of the community and their efforts are crucial to our efforts,” Lumpkin said. “Cases are quickly closed and dangerous subjects removed from streets when witnesses identify them and advise officers the direction they ran. Typically, police officers are better trained to handle physical confrontations and equipped to do so. I worry when untrained citizens are involved.”
Central Precinct officers were on scene a minute after the call came in and took Kibler into custody.
Lumpkin plans to officially recognize the efforts of the two citizens this week.
“While I prefer that the public avoid physical confrontation, the involvement by witnesses in solving crimes is crucial to curtailing crimes in every jurisdiction,” Lumpkin said. “My thanks go out to Mr. Riesinger and the other gentleman who took action and took a stand.”
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Detectives are "seeking help from the public in identifying a group of males who attacked and beat a Florida couple on Bay Street Monday morning," police say.
The man and woman from Riverview, FL, were walking back to their hotel at 2:19 a.m. "when a group of three white males and two Hispanic males attempted to steal the man’s necklace. When he resisted, both were thrown to the ground and kicked in the head and face," police say.
When they left, the attackers took a black fox jacket from the male. Both victims were transported to a hospital for treatment of their injuries.
They told officers "the attack seemed to be more for sport than an actual robbery," police say.
The attackers were in their early 20s, clean shaven with short, groomed haircuts. After the attack, witnesses say they entered a maroon, 2000s model sport sedan and drove away.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen the confrontation to help provide information. They also are asking anyone who might know the suspects to come forward.
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.
The man and woman from Riverview, FL, were walking back to their hotel at 2:19 a.m. "when a group of three white males and two Hispanic males attempted to steal the man’s necklace. When he resisted, both were thrown to the ground and kicked in the head and face," police say.
When they left, the attackers took a black fox jacket from the male. Both victims were transported to a hospital for treatment of their injuries.
They told officers "the attack seemed to be more for sport than an actual robbery," police say.
The attackers were in their early 20s, clean shaven with short, groomed haircuts. After the attack, witnesses say they entered a maroon, 2000s model sport sedan and drove away.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen the confrontation to help provide information. They also are asking anyone who might know the suspects to come forward.
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.
"Investigations are underway into the shootings of two men in separate incidents over the weekend," police say.
Ronald Lee Williams, 61, reported he was shot in front of his house on the 2000 block of Nash Avenue about 3:30 a.m. Sunday when he looked into a car that had bumped into one belonging to a visitor. "Two males were standing near the cars when he walked outside," police say. "One of the males entered a second car and fired at him as it drove away. He returned the fire."
Williams was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Around 4 p.m. Saturday, Damion Seaborough, 24," drove himself to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. He said he was outside a house on the 100 block of Oleander Avenue when a projectile struck him. Central Precinct officers were unable to establish a crime scene," police say.
Ronald Lee Williams, 61, reported he was shot in front of his house on the 2000 block of Nash Avenue about 3:30 a.m. Sunday when he looked into a car that had bumped into one belonging to a visitor. "Two males were standing near the cars when he walked outside," police say. "One of the males entered a second car and fired at him as it drove away. He returned the fire."
Williams was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Around 4 p.m. Saturday, Damion Seaborough, 24," drove himself to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. He said he was outside a house on the 100 block of Oleander Avenue when a projectile struck him. Central Precinct officers were unable to establish a crime scene," police say.
Cathy Hill, vice president of Georgia Power’s Coastal Region, recently presented Armstrong State University president Dr. Linda M. Bleicken with a check for $20,000 from the Georgia Power Foundation to benefit the university’s College of Science and Technology and ongoing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
“Georgia Power is proud to support STEM initiatives at Armstrong, which prepare students for high-demand jobs,” said Hill, who also served as past chair of the Armstrong Foundation.
Two years ago, Armstrong’s Department of Biology received nearly $200,000 in funding from the NSF’s Transforming Undergraduate Education in STEM grant program. Three years ago, the university received a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grant of $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a unique scholarship program for STEM students to complete the Bachelor of Science degree and continue their studies at Armstrong to gain a Master of Teaching degree and become K-12 STEM teachers.
For the past seven summers, Armstrong’s Engineering Studies Program, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Savannah, has held two-week robotics summer workshops for young local students with funding from the Georgia Space Grant Consortium. Approximately 70 percent of the students who have attended through the years have gone on to STEM-based collegiate programs. Nearly 30 of those students enrolled in Armstrong to pursue STEM subjects.
“Armstrong’s College of Science and Technology has a strong history of providing undergraduates with hands-on research and internship opportunities,” said Bleicken. “Georgia Power’s generosity will help us continue to fulfill our ongoing mission to support student success in these important areas.”
“Georgia Power is proud to support STEM initiatives at Armstrong, which prepare students for high-demand jobs,” said Hill, who also served as past chair of the Armstrong Foundation.
Two years ago, Armstrong’s Department of Biology received nearly $200,000 in funding from the NSF’s Transforming Undergraduate Education in STEM grant program. Three years ago, the university received a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grant of $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a unique scholarship program for STEM students to complete the Bachelor of Science degree and continue their studies at Armstrong to gain a Master of Teaching degree and become K-12 STEM teachers.
For the past seven summers, Armstrong’s Engineering Studies Program, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Savannah, has held two-week robotics summer workshops for young local students with funding from the Georgia Space Grant Consortium. Approximately 70 percent of the students who have attended through the years have gone on to STEM-based collegiate programs. Nearly 30 of those students enrolled in Armstrong to pursue STEM subjects.
“Armstrong’s College of Science and Technology has a strong history of providing undergraduates with hands-on research and internship opportunities,” said Bleicken. “Georgia Power’s generosity will help us continue to fulfill our ongoing mission to support student success in these important areas.”
Friday, January 30, 2015
Detectives of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are seeking help from the public in identifying suspects "who opened fire in city parks on two successive days," a spokesman says.
One man received a gunshot wound to his toe at 1:41p.m. Wednesday "when suspects in a blue Ford Fusion fired at a another individual in Wells Park near West 38th Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard," police say.
"Shots from what is believed to be the same vehicle were fired at the same individual in Thomas Park beside the Bull Street Library about 3 p.m. Thursday. No one was injured in the latter shooting, but rounds struck the library building. None of the shots penetrated the building."
Investigators suspect the same individual was targeted in both incidents. A vehicle believed to be the 2009 Fusion used in both shootings, "was recovered abandoned in the West Lake Apartments in the Liberty City area this morning."
Police are asking anyone who may have information on "the two occupants of the Fusion or who saw anyone in such a vehicle to help identify them."
“The suspects fired in crowded parks without regard to anyone else who was present," said Assistant Chief Julie Tolbert. "A children’s area was on the other side of a library window that was struck. Fortunately, the bullet did not penetrate the second pane of glass.”
Anyone with information 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.
One man received a gunshot wound to his toe at 1:41p.m. Wednesday "when suspects in a blue Ford Fusion fired at a another individual in Wells Park near West 38th Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard," police say.
"Shots from what is believed to be the same vehicle were fired at the same individual in Thomas Park beside the Bull Street Library about 3 p.m. Thursday. No one was injured in the latter shooting, but rounds struck the library building. None of the shots penetrated the building."
Investigators suspect the same individual was targeted in both incidents. A vehicle believed to be the 2009 Fusion used in both shootings, "was recovered abandoned in the West Lake Apartments in the Liberty City area this morning."
Police are asking anyone who may have information on "the two occupants of the Fusion or who saw anyone in such a vehicle to help identify them."
“The suspects fired in crowded parks without regard to anyone else who was present," said Assistant Chief Julie Tolbert. "A children’s area was on the other side of a library window that was struck. Fortunately, the bullet did not penetrate the second pane of glass.”
Anyone with information 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.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police have charged a 19-year-old male and his 13-year-old accomplice after the robbery and carjacking of a woman in the Highlands area Wednesday night.
Carlos Maurice Boggs Jr. and the youth "were taken into custody after foot chases following a short traffic pursuit on Dean Forest Road," police say. He has been charged with armed robbery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and traffic offenses.
"Boggs was released from the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson, GA, in September 2013 after serving a month of a five-year sentence for burglary," police say.
West Chatham precinct Patrol officers saw the pair in a 1998 Toyota Camry that had been taken in the robbery of a 30-year-old woman in the back yard of her residence on Fairgreen Street Wednesday.
"Two males had pointed pistols at her, forcing her to surrender the car and its contents just before 7 p.m.," police say. "Patrol officers followed the Camry, being driven by the younger suspect, into Southbridge subdivision where the passenger and driver exchanged places before it sped onto Dean Forest Road."
Metro and Garden City Police officers began the pursuit which ended in a steep curve where the Toyota collided with another car. "Boggs led officers on a foot pursuit into a canal where he tried to hide under a bridge. The younger suspect was apprehended near a house," police say.
SCMPD Dive Team officers searched the water where Boggs was apprehended today, recovering two weapons. Detectives continue to investigate.
Carlos Maurice Boggs Jr. and the youth "were taken into custody after foot chases following a short traffic pursuit on Dean Forest Road," police say. He has been charged with armed robbery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and traffic offenses.
"Boggs was released from the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson, GA, in September 2013 after serving a month of a five-year sentence for burglary," police say.
West Chatham precinct Patrol officers saw the pair in a 1998 Toyota Camry that had been taken in the robbery of a 30-year-old woman in the back yard of her residence on Fairgreen Street Wednesday.
"Two males had pointed pistols at her, forcing her to surrender the car and its contents just before 7 p.m.," police say. "Patrol officers followed the Camry, being driven by the younger suspect, into Southbridge subdivision where the passenger and driver exchanged places before it sped onto Dean Forest Road."
Metro and Garden City Police officers began the pursuit which ended in a steep curve where the Toyota collided with another car. "Boggs led officers on a foot pursuit into a canal where he tried to hide under a bridge. The younger suspect was apprehended near a house," police say.
SCMPD Dive Team officers searched the water where Boggs was apprehended today, recovering two weapons. Detectives continue to investigate.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Ezra Shane Owens
Ezra Shane Owens, 23, is being sought for questioning in the death of David Rashamel Goldwire who was found deceased in a yard on Clars Avenue.
"Owens is a black male with a medium complexion," police say. "He usually wears his hair cut low or shaved. He is from the Atlanta area and attended Atlanta Tec hnical College in 2011. It is possible he may have traveled back to the Atlanta area."
Anyone with information on his location is asked to call the Violent Crimes office at (912) 651-6728 or Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters to Crimestoppers 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.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Detectives of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the shooting of a Savannah man in a city park on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 28.
Kelvin Frazier, 28, received a non-life threatening injury at 1:41 p.m. and was transported for treatment.
"He was on the basketball court in Wells Park on MLK Jr. Boulevard between East 38th and 39th streets when a passenger in a gray vehicle, being driven north on MLK, fired towards him," a police spokesperson says. "A passer-by provided a photograph of what was described as the vehicle."
Kelvin Frazier, 28, received a non-life threatening injury at 1:41 p.m. and was transported for treatment.
"He was on the basketball court in Wells Park on MLK Jr. Boulevard between East 38th and 39th streets when a passenger in a gray vehicle, being driven north on MLK, fired towards him," a police spokesperson says. "A passer-by provided a photograph of what was described as the vehicle."
Monday, January 26, 2015
Detectives are "sorting out the details in an early Sunday morning shooting that left one man with potentially serious injuries, a second with minor injuries and a third in custody," police say.
Brendon Barlow, 27, was found in a black Toyota at Augusta Avenue and Tulip Street when Downtown Precinct Patrol officers responded to a shooting call at 5:19 a.m. He was transported for treatment of a gunshot wound.
A second victim, Eric Butts, 25, of a Harden Street address, was being interviewed by police "when detectives determined he actually had been in the car and had received a gunshot wound as well," police say. He was transported from headquarters for treatment.
Another male being interviewed was arrested when it was determined he had a warrant for probation violation and was transported to Chatham County Detention Center.
"The investigation indicated the shooting took place when occupants of the Toyota and at least one other person began shooting at each other," police say.
Brendon Barlow, 27, was found in a black Toyota at Augusta Avenue and Tulip Street when Downtown Precinct Patrol officers responded to a shooting call at 5:19 a.m. He was transported for treatment of a gunshot wound.
A second victim, Eric Butts, 25, of a Harden Street address, was being interviewed by police "when detectives determined he actually had been in the car and had received a gunshot wound as well," police say. He was transported from headquarters for treatment.
Another male being interviewed was arrested when it was determined he had a warrant for probation violation and was transported to Chatham County Detention Center.
"The investigation indicated the shooting took place when occupants of the Toyota and at least one other person began shooting at each other," police say.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police have charged a convicted felon with the armed robbery of a Savannah man in the downtown area Tuesday night.
Dennis Lamar White, 26, was arrested after Downtown Precinct Patrol officers and an off-duty officer working neighborhood patrols "encountered a group of males after the 8:30 p.m. robbery at Habersham and Harris streets," a department spokesperson says.
White was identified as the male "who approached the 32-year-old victim as he was walking on Harris Street toward Habersham, pointed a gun at him and forced him to turn over cash. The victim got away when a car approached and the robber and an accomplice departed," police say.
White has more than a dozen arrests by Savannah and Chatham County authorities and has served two prison sentences. He was released from Johnson State Prison in June of 2013 after serving 14 months of a five-year sentence for theft. This is his eighth arrest since that release.
Detectives continue to investigate and search for the accomplice. Anyone with information 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.
Dennis Lamar White, 26, was arrested after Downtown Precinct Patrol officers and an off-duty officer working neighborhood patrols "encountered a group of males after the 8:30 p.m. robbery at Habersham and Harris streets," a department spokesperson says.
White was identified as the male "who approached the 32-year-old victim as he was walking on Harris Street toward Habersham, pointed a gun at him and forced him to turn over cash. The victim got away when a car approached and the robber and an accomplice departed," police say.
White has more than a dozen arrests by Savannah and Chatham County authorities and has served two prison sentences. He was released from Johnson State Prison in June of 2013 after serving 14 months of a five-year sentence for theft. This is his eighth arrest since that release.
Detectives continue to investigate and search for the accomplice. Anyone with information 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.
