Law enforcement focusing on possible suspect in string of Savannah burglaries
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
After a string of commercial burglaries in Savannah’s Starland District this summer, law enforcement tells WJCL 22 News they could be close to identifying a possible suspect.
Nathaniel Lewis, 47, is currently in the Chatham County Detention Center, charged in a separate burglary at Junica Caribbean Market on Saturday. Law enforcement said Lewis is being reviewed for possible connection with some of the Starland burglaries. The investigation remains ongoing, and no suspect has been publicly identified. Lewis is not facing any additional charges at the time of publication.
Police reports obtained by WJCL 22 News Investigates detail six of the Starland burglaries. Three of the cases describe a suspect riding a bicycle. Savannah Police previously released a photo on social media asking for help identifying a person connected to recent burglaries, which shows an individual with a bicycle.
Another report describes a suspect with “several tattoos on his arms and back,” matching additional photos released by Savannah Police Department that appear to show an individual near a cash register at Moodright’s bar.
Some business owners in the Starland District have raised concerns about safety as the investigation continues.
“Break-ins like this make a big difference because it can legitimately be the difference between staying open and closing your doors,” said Joseph Brekesch on Friday, owner and operator of The Sexton Pub, who was a victim of one of the burglaries.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson addressed the incidents on Tuesday.
“Your business is your investment, and so I think that any business owner would do whatever they can to better protect their investment,” Johnson said. “That does not negate the responsibility of the city of Savannah to provide the services we provide outside of the business. But again, we’re not everywhere all of the time.”
The mayor’s office stated that police will increase patrols in the area as the investigation continues.
