News Summary
In Savannah, Joseph Gonzalez and Damian Flower were arrested for spray painting city buildings and signs along Congress Street. The vandalism, occurring early on September 20, has prompted city officials to address graffiti removal and emphasize the protection of public property. Concurrently, a statue of Nathanael Greene was found vandalized with googly eyes, sparking further investigations. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about the preservation of historical landmarks in urban environments.
Savannah – Two men have been arrested for defacing government property in Savannah, as confirmed by the Savannah Police Department. Joseph Gonzalez, 30, and Damian Flower, 34, were apprehended early on September 20 after they were seen spray painting buildings and city signs along Congress Street between Franklin Square and Ellis Square.
The police took the suspects into custody around 3:22 a.m. without any incidents. Following their arrest, both men were booked into the Chatham County Jail. They face charges of interference with government property and criminal trespassing.
As a result of the vandalism, the city government of Savannah has been notified to initiate the process of graffiti removal. This incident is part of a broader concern over the protection of public property and the maintenance of community standards.
In a related case, a statue of Nathanael Greene, a general from the Revolutionary War, was found vandalized with googly eyes in Johnson Square. The city has publicly expressed disapproval of this act through their Facebook page, clarifying that any defacement of historic monuments and public property is a crime. Authorities are currently investigating this incident, which could lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the extent of damage caused.
Notably, the statue of Nathanael Greene is nearly 200 years old and marks the location where his remains are laid to rest, making it not just a public landmark but also a significant piece of local history, according to the Georgia Historical Society. While the vandalism has generated various public reactions, the Savannah Police Department aims to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Spokeswoman Keturah Greene highlighted the importance of preserving public property and the community’s cultural heritage.
Both incidents serve as a reminder of the tensions surrounding public art and historical landmarks in urban settings. While some community members may express playful humor over acts of vandalism like the googly eyes, law enforcement continues to emphasize the legal implications and community standards regarding defacement of public property.
The Savannah Police Department is committed to protecting the city’s landmarks and deterring future acts of vandalism. Community interest remains high, with local residents engaging in discussions about the implications of these events and how they reflect broader societal attitudes towards heritage and public space.
As investigations continue, city officials are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to help maintain the integrity of Savannah’s public spaces. Local officials are working towards both restoring affected areas and educating the community about the importance of preserving the city’s cultural history.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Savannah Police Arrest Two Men for Defacement
- Wikipedia: Defacement
- ABC7 News: Georgia War Monument Defaced with Googly Eyes
- Google Search: Public Vandalism
- NBC News: Vandalism of Revolutionary War Statue with Googly Eyes
- Google Scholar: Historic Monuments Vandalism
- Savannah Now: Historic Huston House Burned Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vandalism
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.
