GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Savannah, GA

December 10, 2020 Update - The deceased man has been identified as Oldrich Fejfar, age 67. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Savannah,  GA (December 5,  2020) – On Saturday, December 5, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Savannah Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred in Savannah, GA.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 8:30 a.m., Savannah Police Department officers responded to a homeless camp located in an area near Fulton Road and Navajo Road.  The officers were on scene following a request from land owners that homeless persons be removed from private property.  As officers approached the location of the last known homeless person located in a tent, the homeless man exited the tent in an aggressive manner holding a razor knife and another sharp object.  The man failed to drop the weapons and obey officers’ orders.  Two officers were able to retreat to a safe location.  One officer was not able to retreat and was backed into an area, eventually discharging his firearm at the man charging toward him with the weapon.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.  The investigation shows that he is from California.

No officers were injured in this incident.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Upon completion, it will be submitted to the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office for review.