An officer responded to the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion in reference to a report of a theft. While speaking with our officer, the victim stated that they left a bag underneath the pier while they went to the water for a few minutes. Upon their return, the victim realized that someone had stolen a cellphone and charger from the bag. Due to the fact that the victim was now stranded on the island without a phone, the officer provided a courtesy ride to a T-mobile store in Savannah.

Officers responded to three seperate reports of vehicle break-ins in the area of Laurel Avenue. In each case, it is believed that the vehicles had mistakenly been left unlocked at the time of the crime. The thieves took a firearm from one vehicle and approximately 10 compact disks from another. The third vehicle had been visibly ransacked, but it did not appear as if anything had been actually stolen at the time of the report. We have reason to believe that other vehicles in the same area were also rummaged through, however the owners have not come forward at this time.

While the men and women of the Tybee Island Police Department believe that no one is to blame for these crimes but the thieves responsible, there are steps you can take to help us protect your property:

• Remember to remove ALL valuables from your vehicles and lock your doors every day.

• Ensure that exterior cameras are angled to film as large of an area surrounding your residence as possible.

• Report suspicious activity to the police.

• Even if you believe that nothing was stolen, please contact the police if it appears someone entered your vehicle without permission. This information may help us identify patterns, narrow down time frames, obtain additional evidence and plan increased patrols.

Officers responded to the area of Chatham Avenue in reference to a possible theft. While speaking with our team, the victim stated that someone had stolen a backpack-style leaf blower from the bed of his work truck. A report was filed, and the case remains under investigation.

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One of our officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for having a suspended registration. As the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a local motel, the passenger exited the car and began to walk away. The officer then informed the man that he was not yet free to leave and instructed him multiple times to get back into the vehicle. After repeatedly refusing to follow instructions, he was placed under arrest and charged with Obstruction. The driver was cited for his suspended registration and allowed to leave the scene.

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Officers responded to the area of Blanco and Tybrisa, in reference to a man who had previously been banned from the island by court order. After locating the subject in question, officers placed him under arrest for Criminal Trespass and transported him to the Chatham County Detention Center.

One of our officers conducted a traffic stop for suspended registration. While speaking with the driver, the officer was able to smell an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A subsequent search of the car based on that odor revealed a bag of marijuana, an open container of alcohol and a firearm. A check of that weapon’s serial number through the GCIC computer system revealed that it was reported stolen. The driver was then placed under arrest and charged with Suspended Registration, Open Container, Theft by Receiving (Felony), Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

One of our officers was on patrol in the area of Highway 80, when he spotted a vehicle failing to maintain its lane. As the officer watched, the vehicle drifted across the white dotted line before the driver over-corrected, almost striking the median in the process. After stopping the vehicle, the officer noticed a smell similar to that of an alcoholic drink emitting from within. When asked, the 18-year-old driver stated that he had just left a local restaurant and was headed home. During the course of their conversation, the officer noticed that the young man slurred his words as he spoke. When asked if he was willing to participate in Field Sobriety Testing the driver refused, informing the officer that he had previously “been told not to”. He was then placed under arrest and charged with Failure to Maintain Lane and DUI (Under 21).

“Mothers Against Drunk Driving” held their permitted “Walk Like MADD” event in the 14th Street Parking Lot. The event, intended to honor and remember those killed by drunk drivers, returned to that location for at least the 2nd year in a row.

That same morning, one of our officers responded to 14th Street to speak with a resident who wished to file a formal complaint about the noise and vehicle traffic the event brought to the area. According to the complainant, he has had an ongoing issue with what he describes as the City of Tybee Island’s “poor planning”, especially in regard to events held near his residence. He further stated that he has attempted to address these issues with various city leaders, and now wished to file a report with the police department. A report was filed, and his concerns were passed through the Chain of Command.

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While on patrol, one of our officers spotted a golf cart driving on Highway 80 in violation of local ordinance. After stopping the cart, officers noticed that the driver had slurred speech, watery eyes, and an odor similar to that of an alcoholic drink that became stronger whenever he spoke. During the course of the subsequent investigation, officers found additional evidence to suggest that the man had been operating the cart while under the influence of alcohol. He was then placed under arrest and charged with Golf Cart Violations, Seatbelt Violations and DUI.

One of our officers responded to a local bar in reference to a bag which had been left there the night before. Upon inspection, the officer found that the bag contained a firearm, two knives and various personal items. The bag was then taken to the Tybee Island police department and deposited into our evidence room for safekeeping.

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Later that evening, officers conducted a traffic stop on a golf cart for failing to stop at a stop sign. While speaking with the driver, they noticed that he had watery eyes, slurred speech and was visibly unsteady on his feet. During the course of the subsequent investigation, they found additional evidence to suggest that the man had been operating the cart while under the influence of alcohol. He was then placed under arrest and charged with Failure to Stop at a Sign and DUI (Less Safe).