Atlanta
AI Assisted Icon
Published on June 18, 2024
GBI Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting in Savannah, Suspect Charged with Aggravated AssaultSource: Google Street View

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is currently looking into an officer-involved shooting that took place in Savannah, following a deployment by the Savannah Police Department. The man shot has been identified as Quayshun Whitehurst, a 29-year-old from Hinesville, Georgia; as per the latest reports, he is now in stable condition after the confrontation.

According to the GBI's public release, the incident unfolded around 7:20 p.m. When officers responded to an alleged theft at Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary, located at 4317 Ogeechee Road, the suspect, Whitehurst, had reportedly snatched a bookbag from an employee and fled the scene. Law enforcement officials later located him across the street behind the Circle K convenience store where the shooting transpired. The officers, upon confronting Whitehurst and commanding him to stop, were met with gunfire as Whitehurst drew a weapon and shot at the officers, leading to one of them returning fire and injuring him. In the aftermath, officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived and transported Whitehurst to a hospital.

The GBI has levied multiple charges against Whitehurst, including aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, possession by a convicted felon, and felony obstruction as revealed in the GBI's press release. Meanwhile, the theft for which the initial call was made is under the jurisdiction of the Savannah Police Department which is leading that particular investigation.

As the investigation is still ongoing, the GBI has stated that their findings will eventually be handed over to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office to decide on the next steps and any potential prosecution. The independent nature of this investigation into the officer-involved shooting is a standard procedure to ensure transparency and accountability in such sensitive cases where the use of force by law enforcement comes into question.