The public affairs office for th
e U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah has identified a man killed in an Oct. 11 crash in Savannah as a 3rd ID soldier.
Spc. Christopher M. Lewis, 23, of San Antonio, Texas, was killed from injuries in the single-vehicle crash on Interstate 516.
Police responded around 7:12 p.m. Sunday near Veterans Parkway. Lewis was traveling at a high rate of speed west on I-516 when he lost control of his Infinity G35, according to Eunicia Baker, Savannah-Chatham police spokeswoman.
Lewis struck the median of the Hunter Army Airfield Overpass, causing the vehicle to roll over, and was ejected. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Lewis was an AH-64 Attack Helicopter repairer assigned to 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, according to the U.S. Army’s press release.
Lewis entered active duty in January 2012. He was assigned to 3-17 on Hunter Army Airfield and deployed to Afghanistan for nine months starting in December 2012.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Aviation Badge.
Police investigate Oak Forest Drive shooting
Savannah-Chatham police department’s Violent Crimes detectives are investigating after they found a 27-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound Tuesday on the 2500 block of Oak Forest Drive, said Eunicia Baker, Savannah-Chatham police spokesperson.
The man was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center in serious condition. He was riding in a car driven by a 24-year-old man when shots were fired into the vehicle, Baker said.
Investigators are looking for a male subject possibly linked to this case. He is described as a black male with a light complexion, standing roughly 5 foot 8 to 5 foot 9 and possibly in his late 20s to early 30s. He wore a red shirt at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.
Gun discharged near 36th Street
Savannah-Chatham detectives want to determine how a 70-year-old man was injured after a gun discharged at a lounge Tuesday on 36th Street and Waters Avenue. Police responded to Candler Hospital where the man arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a non life-threatening injury, said Eunicia Baker, Savannah-Chatham police spokeswoman.
A firearm carried by another guest at the lounge fell to the ground and discharged, Baker said. The person in possession of the gun fled.
Investigators are working to determine whether the man was grazed by a bullet or shrapnel, but detectives believe the incident was unintentional.
Anyone with information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637).
SSU’s fine arts building damaged after early morning fire
The Savannah State University Kennedy Fine Arts Building sustained structural, smoke and water damage during an early morning fire on Wednesday, said university spokeswoman Loretta Heyward.
A campus security officer responded to a fire alarm about 1 a.m. at Kennedy and discovered the building filled with smoke. The Southside Fire Department contained the blaze. The fire may have begun in the band room and a nearby storage closet. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
No injuries were reported, and damage assessment is ongoing. The State Fire Marshal office is handling the investigation. Classes and rehearsals scheduled in the building are being relocated until further notice.