Ronald Burke

Name:
Burke, Ronald

Date of Booking:
11/10/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY (FEL) – F

Disorderly Conduct – M

Public Drunkenness – M

PROBATION VIOLATION (FEL) – M

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On November 10, 2025, at approximately 2316 hours, I conducted a traffic stop of a silver Kia Soul with a Georgia license plate, [REDACTED], and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) [REDACTED], for a malfunctioning brake light at the intersection of West 39th Street and Ogeechee Road.

My initial observation of the vehicle occurred at the intersection of West 41st Street and Burroughs Street, where a male individual was seated in the passenger seat. I recognized that this area is known for a high incidence of illegal drug activity and related criminal behavior. In prior encounters, I have performed multiple stops in this vicinity and have frequently discovered illegal substances or drug paraphernalia on individuals and within vehicles. Upon noting the brake light violation on the driver’s side of the vehicle, I proceeded westbound on West 39th Street to determine whether I could turn around and monitor individuals approaching or departing the vehicle. Upon my return to the intersection of West 40th Street and Burroughs Street, I discovered that the vehicle had departed. Recognizing that it had left the area, I initiated a search for the vehicle, but did not observe any other vehicles on the roadway during my investigation.

Consequently, I requested assistance from another officer to aid in the search for the vehicle. Officer Merritt reported seeing the vehicle traveling northbound on Burroughs Street, but it had vanished again when he attempted to reverse to conduct a stop. I instructed Officer Merritt to maintain a position east of the area while I remained to the west to continue the search for the vehicle. It became evident that the driver was hesitant to remain on the roadway in the presence of law enforcement.

A surveillance camera operated by the City of Savannah captured footage showing the vehicle making a rapid turn onto the next street and then parking to evade Officer Merritt. Officer Buck showed me footage from the city camera of a suspect exiting the vehicle on the driver’s side. Once Officer Merritt passed by again while searching for the vehicle, the vehicle proceeded westbound on West 39th Street, at which point I rediscovered it near the intersection of West 39th Street and Bulloch Street.

I initiated a traffic stop by activating my lights and siren on two occasions after the vehicle executed a U-turn and subsequently parked at a BBQ restaurant at the corner of West 39th Street and Ogeechee Road. Upon running the license plate, I determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen in the GCIC/NCIC database. I requested that additional units arrive to block the vehicle in its parking spot to prevent the possibility of a fleeing driver. Once additional units arrived, I approached the driver, Ms. [WITNESS #1], and the passenger, Mr. Ronald Burke. Mr. Burke displayed immediate hostility, interrupting both Ms. [WITNESS #1] and me during the explanation of the traffic stop. I recognized Ms. [WITNESS #1] from prior interactions; however, before I could verify her identification through the GCIC/NCIC system, I overheard Mr. Burke making aggressive threats toward Officer Merritt.

I exited my patrol vehicle, approached the front passenger side, and opened the door, requesting that Mr. Burke exit the vehicle. Initially noncompliant, Mr. Burke ultimately exited the vehicle upon being informed that I would remove him if necessary. He was subsequently placed in double-locked handcuffs due to his aggressive behavior and the fact that the vehicle was reported stolen. I also instructed Officers Buck and Merritt to assist in removing Ms. [WITNESS #1] from the vehicle. After escorting Mr. Burke to my patrol vehicle, I conducted a search of his person, discovering a wallet, multiple electronic device chargers, three dollars in cash, a lighter, and a fanny pack.

I observed a pocketknife on the ground, which Officer Brandmire later confirmed to be on Mr. Burke’s person. Mr. Burke was placed in the rear compartment of my marked patrol vehicle. I commenced an examination of the vehicle for contraband and weapons. Subsequently, I instructed Officers Brandmire and Buck to search the vehicle while I questioned Ms. [WITNESS #1]. I informed her of her Miranda rights before questioning, and she indicated that she understood these rights and was willing to speak without legal counsel present. During my inspection of the vehicle, I observed that the steering column was open, with wires visible. I examined the passenger side to ascertain whether the starter and ignition had been tampered with, as such behavior is commonly associated with thefts involving KIA vehicles.

I have encountered similar cases in previous reports of auto theft and recovery involving this make and model. Ms. [WITNESS #1] asserted that she was unaware that the vehicle had been stolen. She indicated that she was acquainted with Mr. Burke from their shared presence in the Wells Park area. Ms. [WITNESS #1] explained that she was attempting to escape the cold and reach her mother’s residence located in Port Wentworth. She reported that Mr. Burke had requested her to drive the vehicle, claiming to be too intoxicated, and had asserted ownership of the vehicle during their interaction.

Ms. [WITNESS #1] reported encountering Mr. Burke in the vicinity of W 39th Street and Burroughs Street, which is close to where I observed the vehicle in question. Mr. Burke requested Ms. [WITNESS #1] to operate the vehicle due to his level of intoxication and offered to provide her with transportation to her residence. Ms. [WITNESS #1] indicated that, upon contacting Mr. Burke, he asserted ownership of the vehicle. I was informed that the vehicle’s actual owner was on the way to the area to retrieve it.

Given that Ms. [WITNESS #1] claimed she was unaware that the vehicle had been stolen, she was released from custody and instructed to take all of her personal belongings with her. Mr. Burke, however, exhibited increasingly aggressive and vulgar behavior, issuing verbal threats. Consequently, I determined that it would not be prudent to interview Mr. Burke at that moment, as it could escalate the situation.

I searched the GCIC/NCIC database for Mr. Burke’s identification and discovered an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (ASTCR2100580). Mr. Burke was subsequently transported to the Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC), where his aggressive demeanor persisted toward both me and the deputies from the Sheriff’s Office.

I facilitated his movement to the suicide watch room as he was unwilling to respond to the nurse’s inquiries at CCDC. I had to repeatedly assist Mr. Burke in remaining seated in a chair at the nursing station so the nurses could conduct the necessary intake questions. After stepping back, I observed the arrival of additional Sheriff’s Deputies.

Mr. Burke was booked into CCDC without any further incidents.

[End of Narrative]