Editor's note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A video involving Savannah Police officers arresting a man is gaining a lot of attention on social media for what many saying was an excessive use of force.
The suspect shown in the video is 18-year-old Joshua Watson. A Savannah Police Department (SPD) spokesperson said he was known to be on bond for illegal possession of a firearm and was a person of interest in a recent aggravated assault at Frazier Homes.
Officers said Watson took off on a bike and then on foot after police stopped him. In the video, you can hear officers talk about the suspect having a gun in his belt and stopping him from reaching for that gun.
Near the end of the video, something falls out of the suspect's waistband, and you can see officers pick up what looks to be a weapon.
NOTE: Some viewers may find the following video to be disturbing.
Savannah Police released a statement on the incident.
Read SPD's statement below:
Following SPD's statement, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson released a statement on his social media:
"I was not present at the scene and did not witness the incident firsthand. The video currently circulating captures only a brief portion, approximately two minutes, of a much longer encounter. As many of you know, Savannah Police Officers are equipped with body-worn cameras and are also required to submit detailed reports in all use of force situations.
And although the portion of the video shown is alarming and concerning, I believe it is important to reserve judgment until a full and thorough investigation is completed. I ask that our community do the same and allow the investigative process to run its course.
Thankfully, no lives were lost in this incident. The individual involved, who was found to be armed, is no longer a threat to public safety. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of all our citizens."
Natasha Young contributed to this article.
0 comments: