Savannah-Chatham violent crimes detectives are seeking witnesses to a confrontation on West Broughton Street that left two victims with gunshot wounds early this morning.
Savannah State University football player Vaughn Cornelia, 20, was transported to Memorial University Medical Center by Emergency Medical Services and taken to surgery. Mamie Smith, 20, was transported to the same hospital by private automobile with a non-life threatening wound.
Cornelia, a sophomore, was a starting defensive back for the Tigers last season.
As many as 100 people were present near Broughton and Jefferson streets as the confrontation took place just before 3 a.m.
Police reports indicate an officer was near the intersection when several shots were fired and moved into the large crowd to find Cornelia being placed in a car. He advised that an ambulance was in route and began first aid for Cornelia as other officers tended to the unruly crowd and secured the scene.
Gunfire also broke windows of two businesses, and additional officers were assigned to the hospital where several bystanders announced they would follow victims. No issues were reported there.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
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