News Summary
The Savannah Civil Service Board has ruled that the five-day suspension of Corporal John Keel from the Savannah Police Department was unjustified and politically motivated. This decision follows Keel’s involvement in the controversial arrest of fugitive Marquel Robinson. Despite initial complaints leading to disciplinary actions, the board concluded that the use of force during the arrest was in line with department policies. The case has reignited discussions on police accountability and the complexities of law enforcement tactics.
Savannah – The Savannah Civil Service Board has deemed the five-day suspension of Corporal John Keel of the Savannah Police Department as ‘unjustified’ and ‘politically motivated.’ This decision comes more than a year after Keel was involved in the controversial arrest of a fugitive in July 2024.
The incident centers around Marquel Robinson, a 31-year-old man wanted for allegations including rape and aggravated assault. During an attempt to arrest Robinson, he fled from police officers, prompting several officers to collaborate in restraining him. Ultimately, Robinson was secured in handcuffs. Initially, no disciplinary action was taken against the officers after a review of their body camera footage, which showed the arrest process.
However, following a series of citizen complaints regarding the arrest’s handling, the case was reopened. This led to several officers being placed on paid administrative leave, including Corporal Keel, who initially received a five-day suspension from Assistant Chief DeVonn Adams. After appealing this decision, Keel’s suspension was reduced to two days.
Notably, the Chatham County District Attorney chose not to pursue any criminal charges against the officers involved in the incident. The Savannah Civil Service Board’s recent intervention in Keel’s case highlights this development, as the board asserted that the force used by the officers during the arrest adhered to established policies and laws regarding the use of force.
Throughout the hearing regarding Keel’s suspension, Assistant Chief DeVonn Adams faced criticism for not providing a solid justification for his initial disciplinary action. In contrast, Dr. Kevin Angell, an expert in criminal justice and use of force, testified that the level of force employed by Keel was reasonable and necessary given the circumstances of the arrest.
In response to the ongoing situation, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson acknowledged the challenges that police officers face in their line of work. His comments emphasized that the complexities involved in law enforcement actions are often overlooked by the public, who may be quick to critique without understanding the full context of an incident.
The final determination regarding Corporal Keel’s suspension now lies with City Manager Jay Melder. As of this report, Melder has not publicly addressed the board’s findings and their implications for the department.
Meanwhile, Marquel Robinson, the original suspect whose arrest prompted this controversy, is scheduled to return to court on September 19th. The outcome of that hearing may further influence ongoing discussions surrounding police accountability and the handling of force within the Savannah Police Department.
This case exemplifies the broader challenges faced by police departments nationwide, where community expectations for accountability must be balanced against the realities of law enforcement tactics in high-pressure situations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Underway After Officer-Involved Shooting in College Park
Savannah-Chatham County Schools Implements New Attendance Policies
Savannah Schools Introduce New Attendance Policies and Safety Measures
Cedric Baker Steps Down as Head Coach of Lady Tigers
Pawn Shop Employee Injured in Accidental Shooting
Savannah Police Chief Addresses Use-of-Force Incidents and Reforms
Savannah Police Investigate Murder of 17-Year-Old Boy
Savannah Mayor Announces Changes to Use of Force Investigations
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman Highlights First 100 Days
Savannah Teacher Resigns Following Disturbing Classroom Incident
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah’s Civil Service Board Recommendation on Officer’s Suspension
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- WJCL: Savannah Police Use of Force Press Conference
- Google Search: Savannah Police Department
- WSAV: Board Recommends Firing of Suspended SPD Officers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah
- Savannah Now: Savannah Police Policy Updates on Use of Force
- Google News: Savannah Police Use of Force
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.
