News Summary
On a scheduled night for Savannah’s Hearse Ghost Tour, gunfire erupted, injuring two guests. The incident occurred near the Lucas Theatre as guests prepared to embark. Victims were assisted by tour guides while emergency services arrived. Savannah Police are continuing their investigation into the non-random shooting, raising concerns about safety for tourists in the area.
Savannah – On Friday, August 22, around 8:45 p.m., gunfire disrupted a scheduled tour for the Hearse Ghost Tour, resulting in two individuals suffering non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred near the Lucas Theatre as guests began to load into the hearse for their evening journey.
According to reports, three individuals emerged from a vehicle in distress, claiming they had been shot. They were victims of an unknown assailant who opened fire on their vehicle while it was traveling west on Wheaton Street. The situation quickly escalated as other guests gathered, creating a chaotic scene.
The owner of the Hearse Ghost Tour, Russ Lee, described the scene immediately following the gunfire. Tour guides on-site rapidly responded, with one driver using training from her time in the Girl Scouts to render first aid. She wrapped a wound on one victim’s leg with gauze from the first-aid kit kept in their vehicle. Another tour driver promptly called 911 and worked to maintain calm among the passengers of the beleaguered vehicle.
As the emergency services arrived, Lee and other management approached the scene, offering assistance and communication with law enforcement until approximately 12:30 a.m. The injured victims were subsequently transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where they were treated before being discharged later that night.
Investigation by the Savannah Police Department is ongoing, although authorities have indicated that the incident may not be random. As of the latest updates, no arrests had been made related to the shooting, and law enforcement continues to search for leads regarding the attackers.
In the aftermath of the incident, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson expressed concern about the violence in the city but assured the public that the police department is diligently working to gather information. The shooting has raised questions about safety in popular tourist areas, with many visitors likely to feel apprehensive after such an event unfolded in an otherwise peaceful setting.
Background context reveals that Savannah is a popular tourist destination known for its historical significance and ghost tours, attracting visitors year-round. While incidents of violence can occur in any city, the timing and location of this shooting, combined with its close proximity to popular tourist activities, have raised alarm among residents and business owners alike.
As the Savannah community processes the ramifications of this incident, the focus remains on providing support for the victims and ensuring safety measures are enforced for both locals and tourists. The Hearse Ghost Tour, a platform often associated with fun and frolic in the city’s historic settings, is now synonymous with unexpected urgency and concern for public safety. Further developments in the investigation are eagerly anticipated as the local police department continues its work.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Ghost Tour Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- CBS News: Savannah Shooting
- Google Search: Savannah shooting
- WSAV: Mass Shooting Sparks Fear
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Savannah
- AP News: Savannah Gunfire Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- Fox News: Dispute Leads to Shooting
- Google News: Savannah Crime
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.
