SAVANNAH — The GBI is investigating the shooting of a 31-year-old man by police that occurred Friday. The man is dead and no officers were injured.
Preliminary information indicates that at around 11:50 a.m., officers were patrolling an area near Gwinnett Street and Crosby Street when they noticed an individual walking in the middle of Gwinnett Street.
Officers approached Saudi Arai Lee, of Savannah, to speak with him.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Lee immediately showed his wallet saying it contained his weapons permit. Lee lifted his shirt and pulled a weapon from a holster. A short chase ensued, and Lee was shot by an officer.
Medical aid was rendered on scene. Lee was taken to Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson released the following statement on the shooting:
“I was saddened to hear of another act of gun violence in our City, this time involving a Savannah Police Officer.
While we don’t yet know all of the circumstances of today’s incident, I do know that a family is mourning the loss of a loved one and the historic Carver Village community is traumatized by what happened today.
I have personally spoken with the family not only to express my condolences but reaffirm my commitment to determining what happened.”
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson
The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy.
Agents recovered a handgun and holster from the scene.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case will be given to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
This is 62nd officer involved shooting that the GBI has been asked to investigate in 2022.
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