Tybee Island Police detail multi-agency safety push ahead of Crush Reloaded

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - As Crush Reloaded returns to Tybee Island this weekend, police say they’re increasing staffing and tightening traffic and crowd-control measures after recent concerns about large gatherings, including an unpermitted beach event interrupted by gunfire just over a week ago.

The Tybee Island Police Department said it has heard worries from residents and people online about so-called “teen takeovers,” a term used to describe large groups of teens gathering in public spaces, sometimes leading to disturbances.

In response, TIPD said additional law enforcement will be on the island beginning Thursday, with officers from multiple state and local agencies. Police said participating agencies are expected to include the Georgia State Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Georgia state arson investigators, and the Chatham and Liberty County Sheriff’s Offices.

TIPD said extra resources will also be deployed, including K-9 units, helicopters, additional communications officers, jailers and transport vans.

Police said a multi-agency road safety checkpoint is planned for Thursday evening on U.S. Highway 80. The City of Tybee Island will also establish an emergency lane along Highway 80 and Butler Avenue to help emergency crews respond more quickly to calls across the island.

In addition, the 14th and 16th Street parking lots will be closed to the general public for the duration of the event. Police said those areas have been “focal spots for trouble” during past weekends.

TIPD urged residents and visitors to be respectful, obey the law and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

“Working together, we can continue to make the island an even safer place to live, work, and play,” the department said.