A Savannah man is recovering from severe injuries after being assaulted in his own home by two suspects posing as Amazon delivery workers. The incident occurred on Saturday morning around 8:30 a.m. on Price Street, just blocks away from Forsyth Park. The suspects, dressed in Amazon uniforms and carrying a package, forced their way into the victim’s home and attacked him.
The Attack Unfolds
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was caught off guard when the two men arrived at his doorstep under the guise of delivering a package. Once inside, they demanded to know where the money was and assaulted the victim with a metal object, believed to be a sledgehammer. The man’s screams for help were captured on a neighbor’s surveillance camera, providing key evidence for law enforcement. The footage includes chilling audio of the victim calling for assistance, highlighting the violent nature of the attack.
Police and Community Response
Savannah police are actively investigating the incident and have not yet made any arrests. Authorities are utilizing surveillance footage provided by a neighbor to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. In a statement, Savannah’s Mayor expressed deep concern over the incident, acknowledging the distress it has caused in the community. He emphasized the importance of exercising caution when answering doors, even to individuals appearing to be delivery personnel.
“This is distressing because we’ve gotten so comfortable with folks delivering packages from UPS and Amazon to our homes,” the Mayor stated. He also reassured residents that the city is committed to solving the case and addressing the broader issue of crime in the area.
Rising Crime Concerns in Savannah
Neighbors in the Price Street area, while choosing to remain anonymous, voiced growing concerns about crime in their community. They pointed to a previous incident in October when a man attacked a woman just a few blocks away. Unlike the latest attack, an arrest was made in that case. Residents expressed fears that such violent incidents are becoming more frequent, raising the urgency for enhanced safety measures and vigilant policing.
Amazon’s Response and Safety Measures
Amazon clarified that the individuals involved in the incident were not legitimate delivery personnel affiliated with the company. A spokesperson emphasized that official Amazon delivery drivers rarely knock on doors unless it has been pre-arranged with the customer.
The company urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautions when receiving deliveries. Customers are advised to verify the authenticity of delivery personnel before opening their doors, especially in cases where their presence seems suspicious or unplanned. Amazon reiterated its commitment to customer safety and encouraged the use of delivery notifications, including updates via the Amazon app, to ensure secure and legitimate transactions. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious in interactions with unknown individuals.
A Call for Vigilance and Support for the Victim
In light of this attack, authorities have urged Savannah residents to exercise increased vigilance. The Mayor advised against opening doors for unknown individuals, regardless of their appearance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining security and awareness, particularly given reports of similar incidents occurring in other parts of the country.
To support the victim, a GoFundMe page has been established. Those interested in contributing can find the link on the WJCL news website. The victim’s condition, while serious, is reportedly stable, and community members are rallying to provide both emotional and financial assistance during his recovery.
Moving Forward
This alarming event has highlighted vulnerabilities in home security and the risks posed by individuals exploiting the trust associated with delivery services. It serves as a stark reminder for communities nationwide to remain vigilant and prioritize safety protocols. Police continue their efforts to bring the suspects to justice and restore a sense of security to Savannah’s residents.
