‘Yesterday was a rough day in Savannah’: Savannah mayor addresses three separate shootings incidents in one day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah Police Department was active at two shooting scenes and a shots-fired scene within four hours Tuesday night, and city leaders addressed the violence Wednesday.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson addressed three separate shooting incidents that occurred Tuesday, saying they happened during a period of overall decline in violent crime across the city.

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The first shooting happened just before 3 p.m. at Largo Drive and Woodley Road, according to SPD. Officers arrived to find a man suffering from serious gunshot injuries. He remains hospitalized.

Just after 4:30 p.m., SPD responded to another shooting in the 1200 block of East 71st Street. A male juvenile was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

“It’s no secret we have gangs in Savannah. We have gangs in the area. We’re seeing a lot of young people involved in these gang-like activities. What frustrates me the most is that it may just be a group of individuals, or a couple groups of individuals, but they are putting other people’s lives at stake,” said Savannah Alderman Kurtis Purtee.

A third shooting incident was detected by the department’s ShotSpotter technology on West Gwinnett Street. Police said they are looking to identify individuals in connection to an aggravated assault near that location, officials said nobody was injured with gunfire during this incident.

“Progress does not mean the work is finished,” Johnson said. “Statistics may show that violent crime is declining, but for the people, families and neighborhoods affected by gun violence, one shooting is one too many.”

Police response continues

Johnson said officers and investigators continue their work following the incidents.

“Our officers continue to work,” Johnson said. “Our investigators continue to investigate. And we will continue to engage our community and use every lawful tool available to help keep people safe.”

Mayor calls public safety a shared responsibility

Johnson said public safety is a shared responsibility.

“We cannot ‘police away’ dangerous, reckless, and just plain dumb decisions made by a few people who choose to settle disagreements with guns,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the city is making progress and would not let the actions of a few define Savannah.

“Savannah, we are making progress,” Johnson said. “We will not allow the actions of a few to define our city or deter us from the work of making Savannah safer for everyone.”