Police have charged one man and are searching for two other people in connection with a shooting on Savannah’s southside Saturday afternoon that sent one man to a hospital in critical condition.
The 29-year-old shooting victim was taken to Memorial University Medical Cetner, where he was listed in critical condition after the 4 p.m. shooting in a parking lot on the 200 block of Stephenson Avenue, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman.
Austin Tyler Todd, 24, was treated for bite injuries received when he was taken into custody by a K-9 during a search nearby, Miller said.
Todd has been charged with aggravated assault and obstruction.
Police responded to the shooting to find the victim in a room at an adjacent motel, Miller said.
Witnesses reported seeing a blue Ford Expedition speed away from the scene. Responding officers quickly found the vehicle abandoned at a restaurant at Hodgson Memorial and Eisenhower drives, and were advised of three males walking away from it, one eastbound on Eisenhower and the two others — a black male and a white male in blue shorts, white T-shirt and blue cap — walking behind a building, Miller said.
A K-9 led police to an air conditioner behind a building, where Todd was found hiding.
When he refused multiple commands to show his hands, the K-9 took him into custody, biting him on his arm and shoulder, Miller said.
A second K-9 found items believed to be connected to the case in a nearby area, Miller said.
Patrol officers, aided by specialized units that were training nearby, saturated the area around Hodgson and Eisenhower in search of the other two suspects and their description was released to the media and through social media. They continue to be sought, Miller said.
Violent crimes detectives continue to investigate the shooting.
Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. Investigators can be reached confidentially by calling 912-525-3124.