Savannah police officers fire weapons after confronting suspect near East Gwinnett Street, GBI investigates

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Monday afternoon, the Savannah Police Department responded to a report of a person with a gun in the 800 block of East Gwinnett Street.

We talked to Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther at the scene who told us they responded to a domestic situation and officers fired at an individual during the incident. After making contact with the suspect, the police department said officers discharged their service weapons.

Chief Gunther said police do not know if they hit the suspect because the suspect fled the scene. Law enforcement searched the area for the individual who fled from police; police told WTOC that the Georgia Bureau of Investigations is being brought in to investigate further.

At 4:40 p.m. Monday afternoon the Savannah Police Department announced 47-year-old Tyrel Javon Morgan Jr. is in custody in connection to this incident. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections records, he was released from prison in January of 2025.

Chief Gunther said this was presumed to be an isolated incident.

People on the scene told WTOC crews that they heard multiple shots fired.

Nearby schools under lockdown

WTOC reached out to the Savannah-Chatham County School District who confirmed Hubert Middle School and AB Williams went under a temporary lockdown Monday afternoon due to police presence in the area.

As of 3:15 p.m. Monday afternoon, the school district said the lockdown has been lifted on both schools.

Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or use the SPD mobile app to remain anonymous.

We have crews on the scene working to learn more, stick with WTOC for updates.