GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Savannah

Savannah, GA (February 21, 2022) –  The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at around 5:00 a.m.  No officers were injured in this incident.  Zachary Smith, age 24, of Ellabell, Georgia, was injured and remains in the hospital.

The preliminary information indicates that around 4:25 a.m., an individual confronted Savannah Police Department officers saying that he had been robbed at gunpoint. The man provided a description and a name (Zachary Smith) to the officers.  The description and call details were put out over the radio. A short time later, an officer located a man fitting the description in an area between White Bluff Rd and Abercorn Street.  Officers chased Smith through an apartment complex and commercial business area, ending in the parking lot of Home Source Rentals located at 9133 White Bluff Road. While running, Smith pointed his weapon at the officer, and the officer fired, hitting Smith in the leg. Medical aid was rendered on scene and Smith was taken to Memorial Health where he is listed in stable condition.  Agents recovered a weapon from the scene.   

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be provided to the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office for review.