SAVANNAH, GA (May 7, 2011): Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are unraveling the events that left six people transported to hospitals for injuries from two collisions and two Savannah men in custody after leading officers on foot pursuits Saturday afternoon.
Charges were being filed against Franklin Leonard James, 32, of the first block of Hayward Street, and Rashamel Marquise Lewis, 19, of the 100 Block of West 55th Street.
The 2011 Toyota Camry driven by JAMES was stopped at the red light on Apache Avenue at Abercorn Street, then accelerated through the light, striking a motorcycle head-on. It then sped north on Apache and crashed into a car on Mohawk Street.
The five occupants of the red 2010 Pontiac G-6, including a pregnant woman, were transported to Memorial University Medical Center. The 76-year-old rider of the 2004 Honda FSC 600 motorcycle was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of injuries not expected to be life-threatening.
The driver of the Pontiac was identified as Audrey Mann of the 200 block of Varnedoe Drive. The motorcyclist was identified as Everett Spencer of Midway, GA. Other identities have not been released as the SCMPD Major Accidents Investigation Team continues its investigation.
The Pontiac was knocked into a Georgia Power Co. utility pole on the lawn of Savannah’s newly built Savannah Mall fire station, where the car and pole caught on fire.
JAMES and Lewis ran from the collision and were chased down on foot by SCMPD officers. JAMES was arrested in an adjoining neighborhood. Lewis broke into a house in the 100 block of Queen’s Retreat in an attempt to hide, but left when residents screamed at him. He was apprehended nearby.
Investigations into the events surrounding the incidents are continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward
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