SAVANNAH, GA (February 16, 2012): It took considerable resources but an operation by Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police, Chatham County Sheriffs deputies and Georgia State Patrol troopers to stage two traffic checks netted astonishing results this weekend.
SCMPD officers issued 24 citations, 19 warnings, two arrests for driving on suspended licenses, two felony warrants served, three arrests for marijuana, seven other misdemeanor arrests, and recovered a car stolen from Sylvania and charged the driver with traffic offenses.
They also identified and recovered a vehicle involved in an earlier hit and run, arrested three on felony drug charges, one for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, arrested one driver on a warrant for parole violation and recovered multiple bags of marijuana packaged for distribution exceeding 60 grams and more than $19,000 cash from his car, and recovered more marijuana, scales and an assault weapon from the residence of another suspect stopped at the checkpoint.
At the same time, state troopers issued 21 traffic citations, 27 traffic warnings, 10 DUI arrests, a misdemeanor drug arrest and apprehended one wanted person.
The operation involved two road safety checks for about two hours each at Ogeechee Road and Interstate 16/ 37th Street Connector and at Bona Bella and Skidaway Road.
Involved in the operations were nine GSP Nitehawk units, a GSP cadet and a GSP sergeant; a lieutenant, six sergeants, 26 officers from traffic, Central, Southside and Islands precinct patrol from SCMPD; two CCSO K-9 officers and their dogs; and a helicopter, a pilot and a tactical flight officer.
While the resources were taxing, the results of the operation were strong enough to encourage Central Precinct Commander Capt. DeVonn Adams to plan on additional operations to help control guns and drugs that lead to crimes.
“We have to get a handle on these guns and drugs and this was a tremendous start,” said Adams, who assumed command of the precinct this week. “These results helped us get a lot of people, guns and drugs off the street where innocent citizens could be hurt. My hat is off to the Patrol and Crime Suppression Unit officers from the three precincts, aviation, sheriff’s office and state patrol. The teamwork made this effort successful.”
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