News Summary
The Savannah Police Department has arrested two individuals, including an 18-year-old and a juvenile, linked to a shooting incident on Wheaton Street. Both suspects face multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault and weapon possession. In related news, six suspects from a previous mall shooting have been indicted on numerous counts, marking a significant crackdown on gun violence in the area. The community is urged to report any relevant information on these incidents as investigations continue.
Savannah – The Savannah Police Department has made significant progress in curbing gun violence by arresting two individuals in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Wheaton Street on August 22. The arrested individuals, identified as 18-year-old Zyheem Russell and a male juvenile, were apprehended on October 2. Both suspects are facing serious charges, including three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
The shooting incident took place at approximately 8:45 p.m. in the 700 block of Wheaton Street, where witnesses reported that a group of individuals fired shots at a car traveling west. Two occupants of the vehicle were injured and required hospitalization, though they have since been discharged. Following the incident, police intended to collect evidence and interview witnesses to reconstruct the events of that fateful night.
In a separate and more extensive case, six suspects involved in the Oglethorpe Mall shooting on July 2 have been indicted on a staggering 71 counts. These charges include felony murder, aggravated assault, unlawful gang activity, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The shooting led to the injuries of three suspects, while a woman named Olislene “Tina” Smith tragically succumbed to heart complications as she attempted to escape from the chaotic scene.
The indictment list of the six suspects includes Royce Haynes, Aujawan Hymon, Franklin James, Dahmil Johnson, Jonathan Jones, and Theron Robbins. Notably, several of these individuals were under 18 at the time of the incident and will be tried as adults, a decision confirmed by Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones. The indictment covers charges associated with Unlawful Criminal Gang Activity for each suspect, highlighting the serious nature of their alleged involvement.
The District Attorney’s Office has expressed that no further comments can be made since the case remains pending, while defense attorneys have indicated the severity of the indictment and expressed their eagerness for the court proceedings to begin.
In addition to these incidents, the Savannah Police Department is still investigating a separate fatal shooting that occurred on September 20 in the 1200 block of Rogers Street. An adult male victim was discovered suffering from a gunshot wound and unfortunately died on-site. As of now, no arrests have been made concerning the Rogers Street shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have encouraged anyone who may have information regarding either the Wheaton Street or the Rogers Street shootings to come forward. They can do so by contacting CrimeStoppers or utilizing the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app to provide tips.
As the community grapples with these incidents of violence, authorities are stepping up their efforts to investigate and bring those responsible to justice, with the hope of ensuring safety and security for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: All suspects in Oglethorpe Mall shooting indicted
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WRDW: 6 suspects in Savannah mall shooting indicted
- Google Search: Savannah gun violence
- SavannahNow: Oglethorpe Mall 6 indicted on 71 counts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WJCL: Savannah police respond to fatal shooting
- Google News: Savannah shooting
- WSAV: New details on deadly Savannah apartment shooting
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.
