A Savannah man died from gunshot wounds Tuesday night while sitting in his vehicle in Savannah, marking the latest incident of gun violence in the city.
What We Know: Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Kenneth Dunham Street around 10:15 p.m. on May 14 after ShotSpotter technology detected gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite first responders’ medical intervention, the man died at the scene.
In Context: This fatal shooting adds to Savannah’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. ShotSpotter technology, which the city has invested in to provide real-time gunshot detection, played a crucial role in the rapid police response, though it wasn’t enough to save the victim’s life in this case.
👮♂️ Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
Take Action: Anyone with information about this shooting should contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods and attend local community policing meetings to learn about safety initiatives in their areas.