Savannah – The Savannah Police Department is aware of a video circulating online of SPD officers arresting an armed suspect on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Before the events shown in the video, officers identified 18-year-old Joshua Watson, who was known to them to be on bond for illegal possession of a firearm and was a person of interest in a recent aggravated assault at Frazier Homes. When Watson failed to stop at a traffic control signal at East Duffy and Jefferson Street, officers initiated a traffic stop. Watson fled, first on a bicycle and then on foot.
During the pursuit, officers observed that Watson was armed. He ignored commands to stop and made movements that suggested he was reaching for the weapon. The chase ended when Watson fell to the ground but continued to resist arrest.
At that point, one officer drew a firearm to ensure public and officer safety, while the other officer drew a taser but did not deploy it due to the proximity of the suspect. Watson was ultimately taken into custody, and a stolen firearm was recovered from his waistband.
Watson is now facing charges including theft by receiving a stolen firearm, felony obstruction, unlawful possession of firearm by a person under 21, and failure to stop at traffic control signal.
“SPD officers work diligently to keep Savannah safe and respond to threats with professionalism,” said Chief Lenny B. Gunther. “In this case, officers were dealing with an armed individual and had to make split-second decisions to protect themselves and the public. I am thankful that the skill of the responding officers ensured no injuries to the suspect or the SPD Officers. As with all use of force incidents, this situation will undergo a thorough review to ensure all actions taken were appropriate. We remain committed to accountability and transparency, and I appreciate the community’s patience and trust during this process.”
In accordance with SPD policy, this incident will undergo a formal use of force investigation.
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