Investigation Underway After Officer Slams Suspect in Handcuffs

On August 24, 2025, a Savannah Police Department (SPD) officer was reported to have slammed a handcuffed man, identified as Denver Rodriguez, to the ground on West Congress Street in downtown Savannah. According to witnesses, the officer grabbed Rodriguez by the neck and forcefully threw him down while Rodriguez repeatedly stated, “I’m literally in handcuffs.” The incident followed a reported fight in the city’s nightlife area, prompting SPD intervention. Officers then pulled Rodriguez up by his arms and placed him in a patrol car.

SPD responded via a statement on X, noting that the suspect was involved in a prior altercation on Congress Street. The department emphasized that the incident is under investigation per SPD policy, with a focus on the officer’s use of force during the arrest. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson addressed the controversy during his weekly press conference on August 25, 2025, advocating for transparency and noting that SPD officers are required to activate body-worn cameras and file use-of-force reports. Johnson proposed a town hall to discuss SPD’s use-of-force policies.