One of our officers stopped a vehicle for having a cracked windshield. During the course of the investigation, the officer learned that the driver had an active warrant through another jurisdiction. He was then placed under arrest, and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center.

Officers received a report in reference to a possible theft. While speaking with our team, the victim stated that she left her purse at the bottom of the stairs at the pier while she enjoyed the beach. When she returned for her property, it was gone.

One of our officers stopped a vehicle for a window tint violation. As the officer walked towards the window, he saw both the driver and passenger lighting cigarettes. Knowing that this is a common tactic to attempt and mask the odor of illicit substances, the officer deployed a K9 to conduct a “free air sniff” around the vehicle. After receiving a positive alert from the dog, the officer conducted a probable cause search of the car. During his time, he located a handgun, baggies, marijuana, and two pills believed to be MDMA (Ecstacy). Both of the vehicle’s occupants were subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Marijuana (Less than an ounce) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (MDMA).

While participating in a Road Safety Checkpoint, one of our officers encountered a driver who claimed that she did not have her license on her person. A check of the driver by name and date of birth though the GCIC computer system revealed that her license was actually suspended. She was then placed under arrest and charged accordingly.

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One of our officers responded to the area of the Post Office in order to provide backup for a Georgia State Patrol Trooper. While speaking with our officer, the Trooper stated that he stopped a vehicle for having an expired tag. During the course of the investigation, the Trooper discovered several bags of marijuana, possible edibles, cannabis gummies, a candy bar believed to contain hallucinogenic mushrooms, and over $5,000 in cash. All three of the vehicle’s occupants were subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Schedule I Drug.

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A Georgia State Patrol Trooper initiated a traffic stop on Highway 80 near Salt Pines. At that time, the driver jumped from the vehicle and ran from the scene, leaving his female passenger behind. While searching for the suspect, officers conducted a sweep of the north end of the island with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit. During the course of the search, officers located the suspect’s shirt near the entrance of a crawlspace underneath a residence on Officer’s Row. Rather than risk the safety of a human officer or K9, our team deployed Pepperball into the space in an effort to flush the suspect out and cause him to surrender. The suspect never emerged, and was not located during the remainder of the search.

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One of our officers stopped a vehicle for speeding and failing to maintain its lane. While talking with the driver, officers noticed that he had glassy eyes, delayed reactions, and that he slurred his words as he spoke. When asked if he had taken anything that day, the driver stated that he had taken some “cough pills”. During the course of the subsequent investigation, officers found additional evidence to suggest that that man had been operating the vehicle while under the influence of an unknown substance. He would eventually admit that the pills he had taken were actually “Ecstacy”. He was placed under arrest and charged with Speeding, Failure to Maintain Lane, and DUI (Drugs).

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Officers responded to a residence on Solomon Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. While speaking with our team, the caller stated that she had received an alert from her Ring camera, that showed four people attempting to gain entry into her house. It is believed that the group fled after realizing they were on camera. While reviewing images taken from the footage, officers noted that one man in the group appeared to be holding a handgun. Officers checked the area, but did not locate anyone matching the description of the individuals captured on camera.

Officers responded to the 15th Street beach crossover in reference to a fight. Upon their arrival, they found a woman attempting to walk away from the area with a bloody mouth. As officers attempted to speak with the woman, she began yelling and cussing, before eventually shoving bystander. She was then placed under arrest. During this same time, another woman grabbed one of the officers, and was also placed under arrest. Both suspects were charged with Disorderly Conduct under Tybee Island Cit Ordinance.

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Officers responded to a local business after employees spotted four women stealing rental bicycles which were parked outside. Officers quickly located all four suspects and the bicycles nearby. When asked, the victims declined to pursue charges and only asked that the bicycles be returned.

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One of our officers stopped a vehicle for traveling in the center lanes, which were blocked off and reserved for use by emergency vehicles. During the course of the investigation, officers decided to deploy a K9 to conduct a “free air sniff” around the vehicle. When asked to exit the car so that the dog could perform its sniff, the driver refused to comply, and rolled up the window. The officer then gave several more commands for both the driver and the passenger to exit the vehicle, to which they eventually complied. After receiving a positive alert from the dog, officers conducted a probable cause search of the car. During this time, they discovered marijuana, a white powdery substance which field tested positive for Cocaine, 5 gallon jugs of mixed alcoholic beverages, approximately 200 small plastic bags commonly used for the distribution of illegal substances, a scale, and 20 “rice crispy” style treats believed to contain THC. Officers then placed the driver and passenger under arrest.

During this time, a bystander began to yell at the officers and arrestees, causing the arrestees to become agitated. The man was warned several times about his conduct and was advised that while he was welcome to observe the remainder of the traffic stop, he had to stop with the interference. In response, the man continued to obstruct the officers through his disorderly behavior. As officers moved to place him under arrest, he attempted to pull away and argue before being placed in handcuffs.

The driver of the vehicle was charged with Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Obstruction, and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute.

The passenger was charged with two counts of Possession of Intent to Distribute.

The man on the sidewalk was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Obstruction.

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Officers responded to the area of Butler and Silver Avenue in reference to a man harassing City of Tybee employees and urinating in someone’s yard. When asked, the man admitted to peeing in public. He was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

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Officers responded to a local motel in reference to Entering an Auto. While speaking with our team, an employee stated that during the course of the evening, a man entered his vehicle through an open window and began rummaging through the contents. After finding nothing of value, the suspect left the scene. During the course of the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage of the incident, and the case was forwarded to investigations.

While on patrol, one of our officers noticed large sections of dune fencing appeared to have been trampled by crowds of people leaving the beach.

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Officers responded to a local liquor store in reference to a theft. While speaking with our team, the manager stated that four people came into the store and stole a bottle of Tequila before leaving the scene. The manager was able to provide a vehicle description and advised that the suspects had been caught on camera. A report was filed, and the case was forwarded to Investigations.

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Officers made contact with a woman who wished to report a theft. While speaking with our team, the woman stated that she had been on fishing on the pier with her husband, when someone stole her cellphone from her bag. The phone pinged on the island, but it was unable to be located at that time.

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While monitoring the crowds from the Tybee Island Pier, officers spotted several city ordinance violations, large amounts of litter, and mostly empty trash cans. They then walked down to the sand, and issued several citations before they were interrupted by a torrential downpour of rain which forced the crowds from the beach.