Suspect arrested for deadly shooting in Forsyth Park

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - UPDATE: The Savannah Police Department has arrested a suspect for a deadly shooting in Forsyth Park.

According to police, officers responded at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and found 33-year-old Desmond Warren on the sidewalk near the basketball courts with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Police say it all started when Warren got into an argument with the suspect, 22-year-old Lebert Harrison. Harrison and a woman were pushing a baby in a stroller through the park at the time.

Police say during the fight Harrison pulled out a gun and shot Warren several times.

At 10:30 p.m., Harrison and the woman arrived at SPD Headquarters and spoke with detectives. After the interview, Harrison was arrested and charged with murder.

The woman was released without charges. Police say the woman and Harrison are in a relationship.

Any other witnesses who have additional information are asked to contact police by calling the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. CrimeStoppers tips can also be submitted online by visiting SavannahChathamCrimeStoppers.org and clicking “Submit Online Tip.”

Savannah Police Department Chief Roy Minter said luckily, they had a police presence in the area and they were able to respond quickly.

He also says there is a decrease in violent crime in the city even amidst all the recent shootings, like in City Market early Sunday morning and the one at the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex last week.

“There was a one minute response time, so that shows you that not only did we have a really quick response but that the officer was already in the area when the call came out. Even though we’ve had a few recent incidents that have caused some concern in our community, we still are looking at a 6 percent decrease in violent crime in our community,” Chief Minter said.

No children or other persons in the park at the time were injured during the incident.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Savannah Police Department is investigating a shooting at Forsyth Park that happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

Police confirm a person was shot. According to Alderman Detric Leggett, the victim has life threatening injuries. The shooting happened near the tennis courts.

Savannah Police say two suspects are considered at large. Police say if you see the suspects, do not approach them, just call police immediately.

Police describes the first suspect as a black male wearing a blue shirt and cargo pants with a check mark on them. The second suspect is described as a black female with long braided hair, wearing a gray sweater with black yoga pants and Nike shoes.

Police say the woman was pushing a stroller, but they are not sure if a baby was in the stroller. The couple was last seen running from the area.

Police tell us the shooting occurred after the two suspects got into an altercation with a man. The male suspect shot the male victim, according to police. Police do not know if the victim and suspects knew each other.

Witnesses we spoke to say they heard several gunshots and they were shocked to see a shooting happen at Forsyth Park while playing tennis.

“We didn’t really believe that it happened at first. A lot of people weren’t reacting. No one was running. There was confusion. Then we realize what happen pretty much either ducking or a kind or try to check on the gentleman that was shot,” said Tony Valdez.

Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter, City Manager Jay Melder and Alderman Detric Leggett were all on scene. Alderman Leggett says it’s frustrating to see this happen again after multiple shootings over the last couple of weeks.

Alderman Leggett added he would like to see more police at the park and other areas around the city.

Again, call 911 if you see the suspects and do not approach them.

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