Crime
3 people shot at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah
A total of four ambulances were observed leaving the scene with patients.
SAVANNAH, GA — Multiple people were injured during a shooting incident at Oglethorpe Mall on Wednesday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the evacuation of the shopping center.
Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther confirmed that seven individuals were transported from the scene with various injuries.
Of those, three were gunshot victims — two young adults and one juvenile — while the remaining four sustained non-gunshot-related medical emergencies.
One individual is currently reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities said the incident was not classified as an “active shooter” situation.
According to preliminary findings, the shooting erupted between two groups inside a store and continued outside the mall premises.
The shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m., and the mall was subsequently evacuated.
A significant law enforcement presence remains in the area as the investigation continues.
Emergency crews, including Savannah Fire and EMS, as well as firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 574, responded rapidly to the scene. Additional personnel were dispatched to assist with triage and medical transport.
Firefighters were initially called at 5:43 p.m. to respond to the reported shooting.
According to IAFF officials, the incident involved a “multi-agency response” and required immediate medical attention for multiple patients. At least four ambulances were seen departing the scene.
“This remains an active and potentially dangerous situation. We urge the public to avoid the Oglethorpe Mall area as first responders work to secure the scene and assist those affected,” an IAFF spokesperson said.
The Savannah Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
More details will be provided as the investigation develops.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.