Back-to-back shootings strike Ogeechee Road

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Witnesses along Ogeechee Road say they heard what sounded like fireworks — then they saw blood, and realized it was gunfire for the second time in less than 24 hours.

The first shooting took place around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Thunderbird Motel on Ogeechee Road. Chatham County Police say they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound with life-threatening injuries after someone shot through her motel room door during an altercation with individuals outside her room.

Law enforcement say the gunman left the scene and was later taken into custody by Savannah police. Both the woman and the suspect were taken to the hospital.

About 22 hours later, officers responded to another shooting in the 3700 block of Ogeechee Road, just down the road from the motel. Hardee Patel, who works at a Marathon gas station across the street, said he initially thought he heard fireworks.

“I think about that someone made a fire-cracker like somewhere, but when I saw the blood and the customer came inside and he saying that somebody shot,” Patel said.

Patel said a man with a gunshot wound to his arm ran over from across the street for help.

“And he said just like, can you call an ambulance and I just helped him out,” Patel said. “I called 911 and make sure he be alright. I scared. I little bit scared.”

Savannah police said they have arrested 47-year-old Devan Greene in connection with the second shooting. Greene is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Chatham County Commissioner Tanya Milton said the violence is becoming too common.

“It’s gone rampant,” Milton said. “It’s just gone rampant to have two shootings back to back in the Fifth District, and it’s not just the Fifth District, it’s all over town, and it’s all over the country.”

Investigators said both shootings remain under investigation.