Convicted felon found guilty of gun possession following car theft, police chase in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah man has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm following an incident that occurred in February 2024.

Benjamin Michael Greene, 39, of Savannah, was convicted following a one-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap announced today, January 9, 2025.

Car theft leads to chase

On February 12, 2024, officials say a man was putting air in his car tires on Augusta Avenue when Greene jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with the vehicle. Savannah Police officers were in the area and immediately responded.

Greene led officers on a car chase before crashing the vehicle into a telephone pole. Greene then got out of the wrecked vehicle and ran on foot. A police dog with the Savannah Police Department caught Greene.

Officers had to wrestle a gun out of Greene’s hands, and officials say officers found another gun and illegal drugs at the scene. Greene was not allowed to have guns because of previous felony convictions in Chatham County court.

“Our commitment to removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons is unwavering. I would like to especially recognize K-9 Zulu, whose work directly led to the safe recovery of this firearm,” Heap said.

“The successful outcome of this case underscores the vital partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we are making significant strides in combating gun violence and ensuring that our communities remain safe,” said ATF official Robert Davis.

The investigation was part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which brings together law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime.

The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was handled by Southern District of Georgia prosecutors Makeia R. Jonese and Darron J. Hubbard.