Police are asking for the public’s help locating a Savannah man wanted in connection with a recent slaying.
Maurice Jamar Bentley, 31, is sought for the Christmas Eve slaying of Michael John Polite, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman. Polite was shot to death in the 800 block of Elliott Avenue. Polite, 38, had four children, Miller said.
Bentley is a black male with a dark complexion, whom Miller said stands about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds with a thin build. He was last known to have longer length braided or corn-rowed hair, but possibly has cut it, Miller said. Bentley is also a registered sex offender.
Police ask anyone with knowledge of Bentley’s location to call 911 or the violent crimes office at 912-525-3124 immediately. Bentley should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, Miller said.
Anyone with information on the case may call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters to CrimeStoppers remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Elderly man walking dog struck by SUV
A 74-year-old man suffered serious injuries Monday morning when he was struck by an SUV in the Landings subdivision.
Luis Venegas was transported to Memorial University Medical Center after the 8:54 a.m. collision on Landings Way South at Water Witch Crossing, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman.
Venegas was walking his dog when he attempted to cross Landings Way South and was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 50-year-old woman, Miller said.
The police department’s Major Accident Investigation Team continues to investigate the incident.
No further information was immediately available.
Historic District road partially closed this week
West Gwinnett Street will be closed between Barnard and Tattnall streets Monday until Friday for road repairs.
Traffic will be detoured to Hall Street.
Reward increased in 2010 slaying at Savannah ATM
An anonymous $5,000 donation was added last week to a reward fund for information in the 2010 slaying of a man at a Savannah ATM.
Anthony Minor was shot to death while using an ATM near Bank of America at 5772 Waters Ave. about 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 2010. Minor was 49.
With last week’s anonymous donation, a cash reward of as much as $7,500 is available for new information leading to an arrest of Minor’s assailant, said Catherine Neal, CrimeStoppers spokeswoman.
All tipsters remain anonymous. Tipsters can call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020, send an e-tip though www.SavannahChathamCrimeStoppers.org using the report anonymously link or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020 before the message content.
Compiled by Dash Coleman
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 ChathamCounty Booked.com.