Thunderbolt Police Department

10/07/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE – JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI HOMECOMING

The Thunderbolt Police Department would like to make our residents, businesses, and motorists aware of a large alumni homecoming event scheduled for Saturday, October 10, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sol C. Johnson High School.

Because Johnson High School is located within the Town of Thunderbolt, we anticipate a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the surrounding area. Motorists should expect possible delays and use additional caution, particularly around the school and nearby roadways.

Although the event itself is being held on school property and falls under the responsibility of the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education Police Department, the Thunderbolt Police Department has been actively coordinating with BOE Police and our other law enforcement partners in preparation for Saturday.

The Thunderbolt Police Department will also have additional officers working during the event to provide increased coverage throughout the Town, assist with traffic and public safety concerns, and help ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and motorists.
Weather may also be a significant factor. With rain currently forecast for Saturday, wet roadways and reduced visibility could create additional traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. We encourage everyone traveling through the area to monitor the weather, allow additional travel time, slow down as conditions warrant, and remain especially alert for pedestrians.

Most importantly, we hope everyone participating in the homecoming festivities has a fun and safe time. We welcome those attending the event and appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we work together to make Saturday a safe and successful day for our community.

Gene Harley
Chief of Police
Thunderbolt Police Department

10/05/2026

🏆 Congratulations, Officer Boutarath! 🏆

Today, we were proud to join the The Exchange Club of Savannah as they recognized Officer Boutarath as the Thunderbolt Police Department’s 2026 Officer of the Year!

This recognition follows a special ceremony on September 11, 2026, when Officer Boutarath was also honored by the American Legion for his dedication and service.

Officer Boutarath consistently demonstrates professionalism, leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving the Thunderbolt community. We are proud to have him on our team and grateful to the Exchange Club of Savannah and the American Legion for taking the time to recognize the outstanding work of our law enforcement officers.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Boutarath on this well-deserved honor! 👏🚔

10/01/2026

The Thunderbolt Police Department is proud to be part of Braves Country!
Keep choppin!!!!
Atlanta Braves

09/29/2026

🐾 HOW IS SIMMER STILL AVAILABLE?! 🐾

A few weeks ago, Simmer joined the Thunderbolt Police Department as our K9 for a Day, spending the day riding with Officer Boutarath and visiting places throughout Thunderbolt.

We thought for sure this sweet girl would be adopted soon after.

But Simmer is still waiting for her forever home — and we honestly cannot understand why!

Simmer is incredibly loving, full of personality, energetic, and she rode around in the patrol car like an absolute pro. She’s the kind of dog who would be happy joining you for an adventure and then curling up beside you afterward for a well-earned nap.

Simmer is a mixed-breed female, over 40 pounds, and just under 4 years old. She has now spent more than 180 days at the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, making her one of their longest residents.

She would be a great match for an active person or family who can give her the exercise, attention, and love she deserves.

Our K9 for a Day partnership with the Humane Society for Greater Savannah gives adoptable dogs a break from the shelter, introduces them to new people and places, and hopefully helps connect them with the family they’ve been waiting for.

🐶 Simmer has already ridden with Thunderbolt Police. Now she just needs one more ride — the ride HOME. ❤️

Please help us find her family by sharing this post. Somewhere out there is the person who needs Simmer just as much as she needs them.

Learn more about Simmer and adoption through the Humane Society for Greater Savannah.

09/24/2026

Thunderbolt Police Seek Public’s Assistance in Identifying Entering Auto Suspect

THUNDERBOLT, Georgia (September 24, 2026) – The Thunderbolt Police Department (TPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect believed to be responsible for several entering auto incidents and attempted entering auto incidents throughout the month of September.

Investigators believe the same individual is involved in each incident. In all reported cases, the vehicles were left unlocked.

The suspect is described as a younger Black male, believed to be in his mid-20s, with a slender build. He may have short, mini-twisted black hair and possibly a trimmed beard.

TPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual, who investigators believe may be local to the Thunderbolt community.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact the Thunderbolt Police Department at 912-354-3818 or by email at [email protected].

Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward.

TPD also reminds residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and lock their doors, even when parked at home.
# # #

09/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Officer Penny to the Thunderbolt Police Department! 👮‍♂️⚡

Officer Penny joins TPD with more than a decade of experience in law enforcement, public safety, and emergency response. His professional background includes service with the Georgia Forestry Commission as a Ranger and wildland firefighter, along with experience with the Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division.

He is also a certified police officer and Field Training Officer, with experience in patrol, investigations, emergency response, and interagency coordination.

Officer Penny’s commitment to service extends well beyond his law enforcement career. An Eagle Scout since 2004, he remains active with the National Eagle Scout Association and volunteers with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

We are proud to welcome Officer Penny to TPD and look forward to the experience, professionalism, and commitment to service he brings to our department and the Thunderbolt community.

Welcome to Thunderbolt, Officer Penny! ⚡🚔

09/16/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: 7-OH

The Thunderbolt Police Department recently received information regarding 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a concentrated opioid product that may be sold as gummies, tablets, shots, or flavored drink products.

The FDA has warned that concentrated 7-OH products can carry serious risks, including addiction and other harmful opioid effects. The DEA has also announced its intent to place certain high-concentration 7-OH products into Schedule I.

TPD checked all six businesses in Thunderbolt where these products might reasonably be sold and confirmed:

✅ None are currently selling 7-OH products.

Two local businesses had previously carried them but proactively removed them from their shelves after learning of the federal concerns.

We appreciate our local businesses for taking this issue seriously and acting responsibly.

“Community policing works best when law enforcement, residents, and businesses share information and work together toward a safer community.”
— Chief Gene Harley

Learn more about 7-OH and the potential risks:
https://www.addicted.org/addiction/opioids/7-oh/

09/15/2026

Today from 5-7!!!

Come out and join us, tonight Thunderbolt! 🎉

From 5:00 PM -7:00 PM at Cesaroni Park for Thunderbolt Night Out!

Enjoy free hot dogs, bounce houses, meet Town staff, and visit adoptable dogs from the Humane Society. 🐶🌭

Bring the family, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a fun evening with our community!

09/11/2026

The best way to honor those lost on 9/11 is to live like we did on 9/12 ...
United Americans!

09/10/2026

A PROUD EVENING OF RECOGNITION AND GROWTH

Last night was a proud evening for the Thunderbolt Police Department as several members of our team were recognized before the Town Council.

Captain Runyon received a Chief’s Award for his extensive investigative work involving the former Thunderbolt Rehabilitation Facility also known as TARA Nursing Home. His continued efforts to connect suspects, vehicles, locations, and stolen property helped advance a complex investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

Sergeant Thompson received a Chief’s Award for his outstanding work following the arson at a local restaurant. Sergeant Thompson identified and located the suspect, obtained a confession, and made the arrest without incident. The investigation was later adopted by the ATF for federal prosecution.

Officers Renz and Tabor received Certificates of Recognition for their actions during a mental-health crisis on top of the Thunderbolt Bridge. Through patience, compassion, and calm communication, they safely talked an individual off the bridge and helped bring a potentially tragic situation to a peaceful conclusion.

We also proudly swore in our newest officer, Officer Penny, who brings more than a decade of law-enforcement, public-safety, and emergency-response experience to our department.

These moments represent policing at its best—leadership, determination, compassion, and service. The Thunderbolt Police Department is proud to recognize these officers and grateful for their continued commitment to the community we serve.