Two men were charged Thursday by Savannah-Chatham police with the robbery of a pizza restaurant. Police also recovered a stolen car.
Raphael Samuel Smith Jr., 19, and Raphael Jamel Mikell, 23, were both charged with armed robbery and possession of a weapon in commission of a crime after Islands Precinct officers, canine officers and SWAT team members surrounded and searched a house on the 5600 block of LaRoche Avenue.
Smith was also charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Police were investigating the robbery of a pizza restaurant in the 8500 block of Waters Avenue about 1 p.m.
Two men wearing ski masks and carrying weapons entered the restaurant as it was opening and took cash and a computer, police said.
The investigation led to the house on LaRoche, where police said Smith led officers on a foot chase before being arrested.
A Mazda reported stolen in West Chatham precinct was recovered near the house, police reported.
Robbery detectives are continuing to investigate.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip.
Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.
Officer involved in vehicle collision
A Savannah-Chatham County police officer was involved in a two-vehicle wreck Thursday night.
The officer, who was not identified, was driving north on Abercorn Street about 11:15 p.m. Thursday when a vehicle traveling west on Holland Drive entered the intersection in his path, police said.
Both drivers were transported for treatment and released, spokesman Julian Miller said.
Miller said the driver of the second car was charged with failure to yield while turning left.
Tybee Island beach advisory lifted
The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the swimming advisory for Polk Street Beach on Tybee Island.
The advisory area covered the northernmost part of Tybee Island at the mouth of the Savannah River from the end of the beach to the jetty.
The Coastal Health District said water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.
The advisory was issued Wednesday after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
Compiled by Marcus E. Howard
