GBI: Man pointed gun at Savannah officers before they fired; no injuries reported

by Shakuria Smith, Madalyn Bierster

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah man faces an aggravated assault charge after investigators say he pointed a gun at police officers, prompting them to fire at him Monday.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the man as 47-year-old Tyrel Javon Morgan and confirmed no one was injured in the incident.

According to preliminary information from the GBI, Chatham County 911 received a call around 11:44 a.m. Oct. 5 from a woman reporting that her ex-boyfriend was outside her home with a pistol.

Savannah police responded to the 800 block of East Gwinnett Street and began searching for Morgan.

Savannah police responding to 800 block of West Gwinnett Street

Officers found Morgan holding a gun and ordered him to drop it, according to the GBI. Investigators say Morgan pointed the gun at officers, who then shot at him.

Morgan was arrested, charged with one count of aggravated assault and booked into the Chatham County Jail.

The incident also prompted temporary lockdowns at Hubert Middle School and A.B. Williams Elementary School. Both lockdowns were lifted Monday afternoon, according to the school district. wtoc.com

Morgan was booked into the Chatham County Jail. According to jail records, he faces two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a parole violation. He is being held without bond.

Tyrel Javon Morgan, 47, faces an aggravated assault charge following Monday’s incident on East Gwinnett Street.

The GBI is conducting an independent investigation at the Savannah Police Department’s request. Once completed, the case file will be submitted to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with information can contact the GBI’s Statesboro office at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), visiting the GBI’s online tip page or using the See Something, Send Something app.