Police probe exchange of gunfire near Bay Street in busy tourist corridor
Savannah police are investigating after a shooting erupted Saturday night in a busy downtown tourist area near Bay Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots and captured video of teens gathered in a parking lot before the violence began.
Surveillance and phone video obtained by local media show an apparent altercation that escalated into rapid gunfire. According to witnesses and police statements, officers responded after multiple ShotSpotter alerts indicated gunfire, and investigators later recovered at least one firearm from the scene.
“We recovered some video from the surrounding area. That does show at least two individuals shooting at each other. We didn't locate any injured individuals. But we did see property damage, about three cars that had been shot up,”
Police Chief Gunther provided that update after officers examined the area. The chief said investigators had located evidence of multiple shooters and that law enforcement found property damage consistent with dozens of rounds fired. Witness Rocky Morgan told reporters he observed a person in a red sweatshirt who appeared to be armed and believed an automatic weapon was used during the exchange.
- Rounds fired: Police said about 60 rounds were fired in a brief span, according to witnesses.
- Weapons recovered: At least one weapon was recovered by investigators.
- Injuries: No injured individuals were located at the scene, police said.
- Property damage: About three vehicles were struck by gunfire.
Visitors staying in nearby hotels reported seeing a heavy police presence in the immediate aftermath. Brook Simmons, who said she was staying at a nearby hotel, recalled looking out her window to see flashing blue lights and multiple officers in the parking lot. She later observed officers collecting what appeared to be spent casings; she said one bag she photographed appeared to be a quarter full of casings.
“When my fiancée and I got to the hotel, our window was open, and we noticed this couple dozen kids out in the parking lot, and it didn't look like it is necessarily a friendly altercation. And eventually that led to a shootout,” Rocky Morgan said after speaking with police.
Investigators review video and physical evidence
Police indicated they recovered video from surrounding businesses and residences that show at least two people exchanging gunfire. Investigators are reviewing that footage along with forensic evidence collected at the scene. Officers also were seen collecting spent casings and documenting damage to vehicles in the lot.
At this stage, police have not released information about any arrests or identified suspects. Authorities are asking anyone with additional video, photographs or information to come forward to assist the investigation.
| Detail | Reported |
|---|---|
| Approximate rounds fired | About 60 |
| Weapons recovered | 1 |
| People injured | 0 located |
| Vehicles damaged | 3 |
Downtown Savannah is a principal destination for visitors and residents alike, with busy pedestrian corridors, hotels and hospitality businesses clustered near the riverfront and historic squares. Incidents of this nature can raise concerns among residents, business owners and visitors about safety in high-traffic areas, particularly during evening hours when foot traffic increases.
Police have not provided a motive for the shooting. Detectives continue to piece together the sequence of events and are coordinating with witnesses who spoke to officers at the scene. Anyone with video or information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Savannah Police or submit tips through the department's established channels.
This investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from law enforcement.
