Teenager shot in Savannah while campaigning for Sen. Warnock

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A teenager was shot in Savannah while campaigning for Sen. Raphael Warnock.

According to the Savannah Police Department, the teen was campaigning for the senator’s runoff election on Thursday in Savannah. Around 5:35 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Hartridge Street for a shooting.

Officers found the 15-year-old with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to a Savannah hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Police say the preliminary investigation discovered the suspect shot through a closed door, hitting the teen, while the teen was at the front door campaigning.

Officers identified and located the suspect, Jimmy Paiz, at the residence. Paiz was booked into the Chatham County jail on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The case remains under investigation. At this point, police say there is no indication the shooting was politically motivated.

Sen. Warnock was in Savannah on Friday speaking at a previously scheduled campaign event.

“Well, I was saddened to hear about this incident, and I’m praying for the young teen and their family even as we monitor what’s the situation,” Sen. Warnock said.

Neighbors WTOC spoke with Friday say they had seen Paiz sitting on his porch and waving to people passing by. One man said Paiz might’ve felt threatened.

Several security cameras and high fencing are at the home where the shooting happened.

One neighbor said he saw the aftermath of the shooting when he was driving home last night.

“We came back, I went to Kroger, and I come back and this little, young boy been in the corner with bullet in his leg. And Jimmy, they took him to the police car. We have never had this. Never,” Nesbitt said.

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