SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The mayor of Savannah expressed concerns about the police department’s use of force policy on Tuesday. This reaction followed his awareness of an event involving officers and two individuals.
Although Mayor Van Johnson did not specify the incident he alluded to, it was confirmed that the investigation pertains to an event on May 20, 2025, at the McDonald’s on 2025 Skidaway Rd.
The incident report showed that several officers responded to a 911 call alleging a man was armed with two metal pipes.
As per the report, the individuals were resisting arrest. One officer mentioned that the mother attempted to pull away by applying her body weight. In response, another officer grabbed the mother by the upper body and performed a “controlled takedown.”
The report shows that officers then rolled the suspect to her stomach and handcuffed her. You can view the video taken by a bystander here.
Note: The video below was originally posted on Facebook. The video below is shortened for privacy purposes.
Mayor Johnson said the video of the incident is only a snippet, which is why an investigation is needed.
“While I recognize that video clips don’t tell the whole story, our use of body worn cameras and written reports will allow us to add essential context and determine whether the use of force was appropriate,” Johnson said. “This process ensures accountability and enables swift corrective action, when necessary.”
Johnson also requested a written statement from the chief of police on the recommendations made by the Savannah Citizens Accountability and Review of Emergency Services Task Force, created in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.
