Savannah Mayor, GBI share details of Shady Grove shooting

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Both the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Mayor Van Johnson have shared additional details about the shooting in the 100 block of Shady Grove Lane on September 19, 2025.

In a social media post, Mayor Johnson said, "Our initial investigation indicates that officers responded to a call regarding an adult male firing shots at a shed."

"As officers approached, the suspect fired in their direction. A perimeter was established, and SWAT operators were called to the scene.“

The Mayor said, ”At some point during the encounter, the suspect aimed a firearm toward a SWAT operator. The officer discharged his weapon, striking the suspect in the chest."

“The suspect was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and is currently listed in critical condition.”

Mayor Johnson said no officers were injured during the shooting on Shady Grove Lane in Savannah.

“In accordance with our protocol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been requested to handle the investigation,” the Mayor said. “Any further updates will be provided by the GBI.”

In a separate statement from the GBI, it states that, “Lezar Christie, age 29, of Savannah, GA, was injured during the incident. No officers were injured.”

Preliminary information indicates on Friday, September 19, 2025, at about 2:50 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding shots being fired on Shady Grove Lane.

When officers arrived, they made contact with the 911 caller at his home.

He indicated Christie had shot into a shed in his backyard while he was outside.

Officers then noticed Christie in his own backyard, which is directly behind the caller’s home.

Christie then began firing at an officer.

A perimeter was established and officers were able to observe Christie.

One officer fired at Christie, hitting him. Christie then retreated into his home.

A hostage negotiator made contact with Christie, and he surrendered to SWAT officers in front of his home.

Lindsay Smith, Special Agent in Charge, GBI

The GBI says “the Savannah Police Department is handling the aggravated assault investigation related to the officer and the 911 caller and will be obtaining warrants in the case.”

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation related to the officer involved shooting on Shady Grove Lane.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

In 2016, Lezar Christie was one of 25 people arrested in a three-day operation conducted by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force.