A 27-year-old faces more than a dozen charges after his vehicle rammed a Savannah-Chatham police patrol car before he led officers on a vehicle and foot pursuit early Friday morning.
Michael Brandon Hall was arrested and charged with at least five felonies including aggravated assault on a police officer, fleeing to elude an officer and possession of a firearm by a felon. Hall also faces multiple misdemeanors including driving under the influence.
Police spokesman Julian Miller said Hall, who was released from prison earlier this year after serving about 10 years for crimes including burglary, aggravated assault and entering auto, was the driver of a stolen grey Mazda that rammed the patrol car near the IHOP on Victory Drive about 3 a.m., about a half hour after that vehicle and its occupants were reported to be involved in a disturbance near Congress and Whitaker streets in which weapons were involved.
Hall drove across grass borders and curbing onto Victory Drive, heading west in the eastbound lanes without lights to avoid officers, Miller said. He turned south on Bee Road, east on 52nd Street, south on Oakland, then south on Cuba where he lost control and struck a utility pole.
Hall and three of the occupants then fled on foot, Miller said. Officers saw Hall throw a gun into a yard during the pursiuit. After he was captured, Miller added, the gun was located with the safety off, cocked and with a bullet in the chamber.
Police are continuing to search for the other three occupants. A fourth passenger remained in the vehicle after the wreck and told investigators he was not involved, claiming he had paid $5 for a ride home from a night club and did not know Hall or any of the other occupants of the car, Miller said. Officers are continuing to investigate those comments and violent crimes detectives are investigating the assault on the police officer.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.