‘Heaven is only a block away from hell’: Georgia Southern under second shelter-in-place this week

by Steven Glover

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -For the second time in two days, Georgia Southern’s Armstrong campus was plunged into a shelter-in-place lock down.

The emergency Eagle Alert went out around 6:45 p.m. Thursday evening, instructing students and residents to remain indoors after an off-campus armed robbery was reported at Largo Plaza off Abercorn Street.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking, you know, to get two alerts to shelter in place within the course of a couple of days,” Savannah resident Hope Groover said.

The incident unfolded along the exact same area where Savannah Police responded to a violent shooting involving a 19-year-old Tuesday afternoon. Having two major police scenes erupt in the exact same shopping plaza in less than two days has left neighbors frustrated and fearful.

“Heaven is only a block away from hell out here,” resident Jalen Spain said. “Are the police going to be more present in the area? Because, obviously, the crime is really bad around here.”

Alderman Kurtis Purtee confirmed on social media that Savannah Police responded to the armed robbery on Mercy Boulevard and that shots were indeed fired during the incident. Purtee noted that the robbery appears to be a targeted event involving younger individuals, and added that he is actively working with Police Chief Lenny Gunther to address violent crimes in the area.

Savannah police and patrol vehicles can be seen concentrated near the local Publix. For those who live and work nearby, the growing frequency of these alerts is forcing them to change how they go about their days.

“I feel like I have to be more alert in the community and pay more attention to my surroundings and what’s around me,” Groover said.

Tony Padgett, a resident who works security in the area, says he has noticed a broader trend of rising crime throughout Savannah.

“Well, being security, I’ve seen it all over Savannah going up, everywhere,” Padgett said. “Places where you would never think it would happen.”

Padgett adds that Sheriff Richard Coleman, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther, and Chatham County Police Chief Jeffrey Hadley are working hard and doing a good job, but says, “I want to get Savannah back like it use to be years ago.”

Georgia Southern’s Office of Public Safety officially cleared the shelter-in-place order later Thursday evening, declaring that there is no imminent threat to the campus and that normal operations may resume.

Savannah Police have not released any suspect descriptions or additional details regarding Thursday’s robbery, and the investigation remains highly active.

If you have any knowledge or information regarding this incident, you are urged to contact the Savannah Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.