SAVANNAH — City and county officials raised alarms Wednesday about gang presence and youths' access to firearms after two shootings within hours left a 19-year-old man and a juvenile hurt in separate incidents across Savannah. Law enforcement confirmed no arrests have been made and both investigations remain active.
Incidents prompted school lockdowns, active probes
The first shooting occurred near Largo Drive and Woodley Drive, where Savannah police said a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital. That episode prompted precautionary lockdowns at Windsor Forest High School and Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus while officers worked the scene.
Hours later, a separate shooting on East 71st Street left a juvenile injured. Authorities also detected a third possible incident via a ShotSpotter alert, according to officials. Police have not publicly stated whether the incidents are connected or gang-related.
| Location | Victim | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Largo Drive & Woodley Drive | 19-year-old man | Hospitalized with serious injuries |
| East 71st Street | Juvenile | Injured; investigation ongoing |
| Unspecified (ShotSpotter alert) | — | Detected; details under review |
Officials point to gangs and youth access to guns
Alderman Kurtis Purtee told reporters the presence of gangs in Savannah is well known and said he is troubled by young people's involvement in what he called "gang-like activities." Purtee urged a collaborative approach to limiting minors’ access to firearms and said parents should be held accountable when children become involved in gun violence.
“It’s no secret that we have gangs in Savannah. We have gangs in the city of Savannah. We have gangs in the area. We’re seeing a lot of youth involved in these gang-like activities,”
Purtee also said:
“What frustrates me is if we have young kids that are below the age of 18 that are handling firearms, that are getting involved with gang activity, not only do we hold these kids responsible, we start holding parents responsible to that as well.”
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman called for the creation of a dedicated county gang unit, saying investigators must follow the evidence and the pattern of activity. Sheriff’s deputies were observed gathering information Wednesday near the Largo Drive and Woodley Drive scene, though the sheriff’s office is not the lead agency on that particular investigation.
“I think it’s time for a gang unit here in Chatham County. We have to follow the status quo. If it’s gang, it’s gang,”
Community and law enforcement responses
Local authorities said both shooting investigations remain active and did not disclose suspects or a motive. No arrests have been reported in connection with either shooting.
The incidents have renewed calls from city and county leaders for coordinated strategies to address youth involvement in violent activity and reduce minors’ access to firearms. Officials did not outline specific new policies on Wednesday, but both the alderman and the sheriff emphasized the need for collective action among law enforcement, city leaders, parents and community organizations.
- Two separate shootings occurred within hours in different parts of Savannah, leaving a 19-year-old and a juvenile injured.
- No arrests reported; investigations remain active and ongoing.
- Leaders urged measures addressing youth access to firearms and proposed a Chatham County gang unit.
As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to follow updates from Savannah Police and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for developments and safety advisories.
Reporting for WE NEWS.
