SAVANNAH, GA (July 5, 2017) – The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a suspect for a shooting and subsequent vehicle crash that occurred in downtown Savannah shortly after midnight.
At approximately 12:13 a.m., a white SUV was traveling north on Jefferson Street, near the intersection with West St. Julian Street, and pulled alongside a group of people. At least one occupant of the white SUV began firing a gun at the group of pedestrians. Three people were shot.
James Armanie-Brazelton, 23, and a 16-year-old male sustained injuries from this shooting. April Dixon, 22, later arrived at the hospital with injuries from the shooting. The 16-year-old male was critically injured. Armanie-Brazelton and Dixon suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
SCMPD had an increased officer presence in the downtown area, working the festival. Officers heard the gunshots and responded to the area within seconds. After a description of the perpetrator’s vehicle was quickly broadcast, officers located it near Sustainable Fellwood. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled. Ultimately, the vehicle crashed on West Bay Street, near the intersection of Barnard Street.
The vehicle struck six pedestrians when it crashed. Scott Waldrup, 30, died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The remaining five pedestrians suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Gabriel Magulias, 20, and Spencer Stuckey, 17, who were passengers in the perpetrator’s vehicle, also succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Following the crash, Jerry Chambers, Jr., 17, was the driver of vehicle and was identified as the suspect in the shooting at Jefferson Street and West St. Julian Street. After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office and Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Chambers was charged with three counts of felony murder, two counts of party to a crime (aggravated assault), and one count of fleeing to elude.
For the purpose of transparency, the vehicle crash is being investigated by GSP.
Chambers has been identified as a member of a gang called Only the Mob (OTM) and the shooting is gang-related.
Chief of Police Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr. expressed his condolences to Waldrup’s family and the community. “He was an innocent victim,” Chief Lumpkin said at a 3 p.m. news conference.
He also expressed condolences for the loss of Stuckey and Magulias.
“Although they were participants in risky behavior and violent crimes, they were human beings,” Chief Lumpkin said. “They are prime examples of what we’ve been saying in this community. If those individuals don’t stop that behavior, they are going to be dead or in jail in five years.”
About 15 minutes after the initial shooting, officers heard shots fired in the area of Jefferson Street and Broughton Street. They responded to the scene and located Travis Kimble, 17, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. Presently, Kimble has not been cooperative with police.
It is unknown if the two shootings are related.
The SCMPD investigation continues.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
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