TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — After a chaotic Orange Crush weekend, police are investigating threats made toward another beach party expected to draw crowds to Tybee Island.
The threats led one popular restaurant to announce it will be closed on Saturday for the safety of its staff.
“We are not willing to put our staff in harms way with threats such as these and have decided to play it safe. We are very sorry for this inconvenience,” AJ’s Dockside Restaurant posted on Facebook.
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Tybee Island Police posted that a message reading “There is going to be a gang shootout on Tybee Island at Peach Fest so nobody go to Tybee this weekend!!! Tell your friends” has been circulating on social media.
Police said they are taking the situation seriously and shared it with other law enforcement in the area, especially after last week’s chaos.
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Officers have been preparing for another rush of large crowds after Orange Crush drew thousands to the island. Georgia lawmakers said they were overwhelmed Saturday by multiple car crashes and a shooting on Highway 80.
Police are also investigating a viral video that showed a mother and daughter beaten by a mob.
Officers arrested 18 people, issued 37 traffic citations and 53 code enforcement violations from Friday to Sunday.
Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions said the city will increase its police presence for the Peach Fest weekend and receive help from Georgia State Patrol, Chatham County police and other nearby emergency departments.
“Due to indications that another unpermitted event may occur on Tybee April 28-30, the city is prepared to handle high traffic volumes, large crowds, emergency and other activity that may accompany this event. State officials have confirmed they will provide as much assistance as necessary,” Sessions said.
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