A Savannah man is in custody after striking one officer with his car, nearly missing another and scuffling with a Savannah-Chatham police department canine.
Everette Earl Callaway Jr., 23, the officer and the metro canine were treated for injuries after a foot pursuit through the Liberty City neighborhood in which he entered two houses in an attempt to escape. He has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, burglary, obstruction by fleeing, battery on a police animal and miscellaneous traffic offenses.
The metro officer attempted a traffic stop after seeing Callaway driving at a high rate of speed on Liberty Parkway about 12:20 p.m., said Julian Miller, police spokesman. Callaway first pulled into a driveway on Lloyd Street, but when the officer approached his door, placed his car in reverse and steered it toward the officer, striking him on the leg.
The officer moved to avoid being hit again by the front of the car and struck a windshield with his baton. But the car continued in reverse traveling east on Mitchell Street, narrowly avoiding a detective who was able to move out of its path.
The two occupants of the car exited and ran on foot. Residents directed the pursuing officer to Callaway after he was pushed out of the second house on Worth Street. When he refused to stop, metro canine Flash was deployed and the two struggled, with both sustaining injuries before Callaway was taken into custody.
Callaway was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment of bites and pepper spray. Flash was treated by a veterinarian and the officer was treated for an injured knee.
West Chatham Precinct officers and detectives continue to investigate and attempt to identify the second suspect.
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.