Public safety summary
A 53-year-old man was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly threatening to harm himself, family members and police during a four-hour standoff overnight on Wilmington Island.
After surrendering to a Savannah-Chatham police SWAT team about 12:30 a.m. Monday, Weir Cleve Walker was charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and acts and one misdemeanor count each of reckless conduct and discharging a gun near a public street.
Police were called to Hillary Road on Wilmington Island before 8 p.m. Sunday and told that Walker had threatened to shoot himself if he saw officers, said police spokesman Julian Miller.
Islands Precinct officers closed off portions of the neighborhood two blocks away and called for SWAT, the bomb squad and the hostage negotiation team, Miller said.
Walker fired a shot in the backyard of the residence and three more from inside his house, threatening officers and challenging them to kill him, Miller said.
Police were able to bring in Walker’s brother, who convinced him by telephone to surrender, Miller said.
After Walker was taken to Memorial University Medical Center for an evaluation, police found an assortment of shotguns and high-powered rifles in the home, Miller said.
Later Monday, Chatham County Recorder’s Court Judge Harris Odell Jr. granted Walker a $10,000 bond on the conditions that he surrender all firearms, may not own firearms or be around alcohol, must have an evaluation within 10 days and follow any recommended treatment.
Defense attorney Doug Andrews said a June 11 preliminary hearing is scheduled in the case.
Residents with medical needs urged to register
With hurricane season looming, local health department officials are encouraging residents meeting certain criteria to apply to the Functional and Medical Needs Registry.
The registry, maintained by the Chatham County health department, includes residents who may require transport or medical assistance during a hurricane evacuation but lack resources such as family or friends to help them.
Residents must apply to be on the registry.
Those on the registry will be evacuated to an American Red Cross shelter in an inland county, said Coastal Health District spokeswoman Sally Silbermann.
To apply, call the health department at 912-353-3255 or go to www.gachd.org/chatham and select the Functional and Medical Needs Registration Information link on the right side of the page.
Talmadge to briefly close Wednesday
The Talmadge Bridge will be closed to traffic from 12:30-12:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The closure will be utilized for the safe clearance of a large cargo ship, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Compiled by Dash Coleman and Jan Skutch.
CHATHAM COUNTY BOOKED
To see pictures and details for individuals serving their initial incarceration in Chatham County, as reported by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, go to ChathamCountyBooked.com.