Written by: E. George
Published April 8, 2024 @ 9:30 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding physical violence.
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. – A man, Jamari Stephen Taylor, was arrested on March 12, 2024, in connection with a violent group attack on a male photographer outside Octane Bar on Whitaker Street near W Congress Lane in Savannah. Taylor faces charges of felony aggravated assault and felony aggravated battery.
A Savannah Police officer responded to the scene regarding an unconscious male bleeding from the mouth. Upon arrival, the officer observed the victim lying on the pavement with his head supported by a witness.
There were knots and lacerations on his forehead and blood on his face and head.
A witness explained that the victim, an event photographer, was outside the bar “taking pictures of females.” A group of males approached and confronted him about photographing the women.
The males then attacked the victim by punching and kicking him in the face and head. The witness said there were 10 men involved in the assault, and they fled, leaving the victim unresponsive.
EMS responded and immediately transported him to Memorial Hospital with what appeared to be a significant head injury. A short time later, the officer contacted the hospital for an update on the victim’s condition.
Medical personnel confirmed the severity of the injuries and reported that he was “vented” and “still completely unconscious” in the trauma unit.
An officer contacted Octane Bar to obtain any security footage that may have existed to aid their investigation.
According to reports, the victim is expected to recover from his injuries.
Additional arrests are expected in this case.
This case is pending in court.
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.]
I responded to W. Congress Ln/Whitaker St. in reference to an unconscious male at this location that was bleeding from the mouth. I arrived on the scene and observed an unconscious male ([VICTIM #1]; victim) laying on the pavement with his head being held up by a bystander. He had blood on his face and head with what appeared to be knots and lacerations on his forehead. While attempting to provide care to the patient, I asked the bystanders about what happened regarding the incident.
-INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT-
I was told by [WITNESS #1] (with [VICTIM #1] at the time of the incident) that [VICTIM #1] is a photographer and was outside near the Octane Bar taking pictures of females. [WITNESS #1] said there was a group of males that approached [VICTIM #1] and confronted him for taking pictures of the females. He said the males then attacked [VICTIM #1] by punching and kicking him in his head and face. [WITNESS #1] said there were about 10 males involved in the attack. He said after the attack, the males fled the scene and left [VICTIM #1] unresponsive.
EMS responded to the scene and immediately transported [VICTIM #1] to Memorial Hospital with what appeared to be a significant head injury.
I responded to Memorial Hospital to follow-up on the extent of [VICTIM #1]’s injuries and was told by ER personnel that he is “vented”, “still completely unconscious” and that his injury is “pretty bad”. They said he is currently located in the trauma unit in room 2621.
Supervisors are aware of the incident. Detectives were requested and responded to the hospital regarding the incident.
Officer J. Johnson followed up with Octane Bar in an attempt to obtain video footage of the incident. (SEE SUPPLEMENTAL)
This concludes my involvement in this case.
[End of Narrative]