Law officers in Bulloch County tracked down an Effingham County man wanted in a Savannah southside shooting that left another man fighting for his life. Authorities say 29-year-old Matthew Armstrong was arrested at a Greenwood Avenue home in Statesboro in connection with the Sept. 20 attack that critically injured 29-year-old Paul Andrew Grause.
Statesboro team collars Savannah shooting suspect
Members of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Crime Suppression Team located Armstrong, of Springfield, at the Greenwood Avenue residence on Monday, according to the Statesboro Herald. Bulloch County sheriff's Chief Deputy Jared Akins told the paper the arrest followed a coordinated, multi-jurisdiction effort to track down suspects tied to the Savannah shooting. The Herald reported that Armstrong had been sought by Savannah violent-crimes detectives.
Savannah investigators tie two men to Sept. 20 attack
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department said in a release that investigators have linked Armstrong and Torrence Veal to the Sept. 20 shooting that left Grause critically wounded, according to Savannah PD. "Investigators have linked both Armstrong and Veal to the Sept. 20 shooting," the release stated. Police also said Veal will face an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Blue SUV, K-9 bites and another arrest
Witnesses told police a blue Ford Expedition sped out of a hotel parking lot after the gunfire, before the SUV was abandoned at a restaurant near Hodgson Memorial Drive and Eisenhower Drive. Metro officers later found the vehicle and arrested 24-year-old Austin Tyler Todd, according to local coverage. Todd had been hiding behind a nearby building and was treated for a bite from a police K-9. A second K-9 officer located items believed to be tied to the case, WTOC reported. Officials say Todd is charged with aggravated assault and obstruction.
Felony charges and Georgia law
Armstrong and Veal are charged with aggravated assault, and Veal also faces a count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities say Todd is charged with aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Savannah PD release. Under Georgia law, those offenses are felony crimes that carry significant penalties. Definitions and potential punishments are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 and O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131, as published in the Georgia Code and O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131.
How tipsters can help
Investigators are still asking the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Police also maintain a confidential tip line at (912) 525-3124, according to the Statesboro Herald. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
