Police say new information on the reported attack on a Florida couple on Bay Street Monday morning has them investigating the possibility of charges against the reported victims.
Video footage obtained from a Bay Street business on Thursday seems to indicate that a 38-year-old Riverview, Fla., man instigated the confrontation that required medical treatment for him, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman.
His companion, a 36-year-old woman, initially told police the couple had been attacked, beaten, kicked in the head and face and robbed by five to six males who left in a maroon sports sedan, Miller said. The video refutes most of the couples’ account of what started the conflict as well as the extent of their participation, Miller said.
The video shows the Florida man walking away and returning to confront two men standing on the sidewalk. The confrontation increased between the men after the woman walked up with her dog. It appears from the video she attempted to get between the men as her boyfriend struck one of them, Miller said. Other men, possibly those first identified as the assailants, approached to break up or join in the affray that crossed Bay Street several times before the Florida man was left lying on the sidewalk.
Robbery detectives continue to seek witnesses and the group of males to sort out discrepancies. They are described as being in their early 20s, clean shaven with short, groomed haircuts. They also are trying to identify the two men who were initially confronted by the man from Florida, Miller said.
Police continue to ask that anyone who may have been in the area of Bay and Bull streets about 2:15 a.m. and may have seen the confrontation to help provide information. They also are asking anyone who might know the participants to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.