Shelter-in-place order cleared near Georgia Southern Armstrong campus after off-campus armed robbery

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 8/20/2026] A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for the Georgia Southern Armstrong campus area following an off-campus armed robbery Thursday evening.

According to an emergency Eagle Alert sent to the university community around 6:45 p.m., the armed robbery occurred near Mercy Boulevard and Abercorn Street. GSU’s Office of Public Safety and the Savannah Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

Students and residents in the area were initially instructed to shelter in place as a precaution.

Officials issued an update stating there is no known imminent threat to the campus and that normal activities may resume.

No suspect description or direction of travel has been released at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back with WTOC for updates.

[ORIGINAL STORY] Georgia Southern University’s Office of Public Safety and the Savannah Police Department are actively investigating an armed robbery reported Thursday evening near the Armstrong campus.

According to an emergency Eagle Alert sent to the university community around 6:45 p.m., the off-campus armed robbery occurred near Mercy Boulevard and Abercorn Street.

Officials have instructed students and residents in the area to shelter in place until an “All Clear” alert is sent.

No suspect description or direction of travel has been provided at this time.

Anyone in the area is urged to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution.

This is a developing story. Check back with WTOC for updates.