News Summary
A shooting occurred on Wheaton Street in Savannah, injuring two individuals in a vehicle. The victims were treated and discharged with minor injuries. Local business staff provided first aid and called 911. This incident continues a troubling rise in gun violence in the area, with authorities investigating multiple recent shootings. Community concerns about the impact on local tourism have been expressed following these events.
Savannah – Two individuals were injured in a shooting that took place on Friday night around 8:45 p.m. in the 700 block of Wheaton Street. The incident unfolded when an unknown group opened fire on a vehicle traveling west on Wheaton Street, according to reports from the Savannah Police Department (SPD).
Responding to alerts from ShotSpotter technology, SPD quickly arrived at the scene, where the victims, both occupying the car, were treated for their injuries. The injured individuals were transported to Savannah Memorial Hospital for evaluation and were later discharged with minor injuries.
Following the shooting, the vehicle involved in the incident sped away from the scene. It stopped shortly thereafter near the Lucas Theatre. One of the victims exited the car visibly distressed and crying out for help, indicating she had been shot. Nearby staff from a local business, Hearse Ghost Tour, sprang into action.
Employees of Hearse Ghost Tour were loading passengers for a tour when they heard the commotion. They promptly called 911 and administered first aid to the injured victim while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The owner of Hearse Ghost Tour expressed gratitude for his staff’s quick thinking and efficient response during the crisis.
This incident marks a troubling continuation of violent events in Savannah. Earlier that same evening, a different shooting occurred elsewhere in the city resulting in the death of a juvenile male. The SPD is currently investigating multiple recent shootings, and as of now, has reported a total of 20 homicides in 2023, representing an increase compared to previous years.
The police emphasized that their investigations suggest that these incidents may not have been random but part of a larger issue within the community. Law enforcement officials are actively seeking input from the public to aid their inquiries. Citizens with information about either shooting can contact CrimeStoppers or use the SPD mobile app for anonymous tips.
The recent spike in gun violence has raised concerns among local business owners, particularly regarding the potential impact on tourism. The owner of Hearse Ghost Tour mentioned the rarity of such events in the area but acknowledged the fears that incidents may deter visitors from experiencing what the city has to offer.
As Savannah continues to grapple with this troubling trend in violence, the community’s response has been commendable, with local businesses demonstrating readiness to assist those in need during emergencies. While no arrests have been made in connection with the Wheaton Street shooting, the SPD remains focused on uncovering the circumstances surrounding these incidents and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Police Investigating Shooting
- Google Search: Savannah Shooting
- WJCL: Downtown Savannah Business Owner Speaks Out
- Google Scholar: Savannah Gun Violence
- Savannah Now: Man Shot to Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah Shootings
- WTOC: Heavy Police Presence Near Lucas Theatre
- Google News: Savannah Crime Report
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
