SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A police-involved shooting that left a suspect dead in downtown Savannah Wednesday afternoon is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, as required by Savannah Police Department procedure.
SPD policy says deadly force is only authorized when an officer believes it’s necessary to defend someone in danger of death or serious bodily injury, but should use less-deadly force and attempt de-escalation when possible.
The shooting occurred after police responded to reports of a man with a gun on West Congress Street. Video provided to WTOC by witnesses who did not wish to be identified showed what appeared to be a man wearing a white T-shirt and holding a gun. The witnesses said they watched the man walk down the road and later heard gunshots.
Policy dictates investigation procedures
Department policy says after an officer has taken a shot, officers must check for injuries, give medical aid, and request EMS and a supervisor…