Savannah police chief urges calm as unsettling Snapchat circulates

In the wake of two shootings in Savannah in the span of less than a week, the Savannah Police Department is looking into an unsettling Snapchat message.

“SPD is aware of a text message circulating the area regarding the hospital being put on alert and an active threat being made to ‘shoot up Savannah,’” the department said in a Facebook post.

Chief of Police Michael Pitts told The Courier that “we’ve got to treat it as serious, but as far as we know it’s just a Snapchat that’s floating around.”

Noting that the two shootings, one of which was fatal, have raised tensions in the community, Pitts is urging residents to be aware of their surroundings, but remain calm.

The department said in the social media post that contrary to rumors, local businesses have not been advised to step up security, extra police officers have not been called in, and Hardin Medical Center has not been asked to call in extra doctors.

Pitts said he appreciates the residents who have contacted police about the message, and noted tips can be delivered around the clock by calling 731-925-4989.