GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Chatham County

Savannah, GA (June 18, 2021) – On Thursday, June 17, 2021, at approximately 3:25 p.m., the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Georgia State Patrol to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred in Savannah.

Preliminary information indicates that the Georgia State Patrol became involved in a vehicle pursuit that was originally initiated by the Chatham County Police Department. Jacob Anthony Palmer, 29, of Virginia, had assaulted a Chatham County Police Department officer and stolen their marked patrol car while the officer was investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle at a local hotel.

During the pursuit, Palmer drove in an aggressive manner, at times driving in the wrong direction of traffic and striking a citizen’s vehicle head on at a traffic light. Palmer kept driving and at the intersection of Victory Drive and Bee Road in Savannah, he crashed the patrol car that subsequently caught on fire. GSP troopers instructed Palmer to exit the vehicle. Palmer did not comply with their commands and pointed a gun in the direction of the troopers. One trooper discharged his weapon, striking Palmer. Palmer exited the vehicle and was provided first aid until EMS arrived. Troopers also extinguished the patrol car that was on fire. Palmer was transported to Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah for treatment and is currently listed in stable condition. A handgun was recovered from the scene of the crash. No officers were injured during the incident.

Palmer has been charged by Chatham County Police Department with aggravated assault on police officer, obstruction, theft, felony eluding, and numerous other traffic related charges. 

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation and once complete, will be turned over to the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office for review.