Savannah, GA –Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Chief Julie Tolbert has requested the GBI investigate an officer involved shooting which occurred today at 11:08 AM on Augusta Avenue between Eagle Street and Cumming Street.  The initial investigation shows that officers arrested Charles Smith, 29, on outstanding warrants.  When the officers placed Smith under arrest he was handcuffed behind his back.  The arrest encounter is captured on video.  After being placed in the patrol car, Smith was able to move his hands to the front of his body and kick out the window of the patrol car.  The officers said as Smith attempted to exit the patrol car they saw that he had a firearm.  This encounter resulted in Smith being shot and killed at the scene. During the crime scene examination, a firearm was found under Smith’s body.  This information is based on the GBI’s preliminary investigation. The GBI will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident to determine exactly what occurred. When the investigation is completed, the findings will be turned over to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

An autopsy on Smith’s body will be done at the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah tomorrow. 

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Contact Information:

Sherry Lang 404-270-8330