Savannah Mayor Requests Investigation into Police Use-of-Force Incident

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has called for a thorough investigation into a May 20 incident involving Savannah Police officers after a video showing a use-of-force event involving a mother-son duo went viral. The incident occurred at a McDonald's on Skidaway Road, where officers responded to a call about a man armed with two metal pipes; both the man and his mother were arrested after allegedly resisting arrest, with the mother requiring further medical treatment. Mayor Johnson emphasized that video clips alone do not provide the full context and that body-worn camera footage, GPS data, and written reports are necessary to assess whether the use of force was appropriate. He has also requested a written status report on recommendations from the Savannah Citizens Accountability and Review of Emergency Services Task Force, established in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, to ensure accountability and transparency in police use-of-force policies. The Savannah Police Department stated the incident remains under review, and appropriate action will be taken once all facts are determined. Additionally, Mayor Johnson has expressed concerns about other complaints, including a video of a police officer sleeping in a patrol car, and insists on prompt responses from the police department regarding these matters.