Brunswick, GA – The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) has released new details about a dramatic officer-involved shooting and standoff that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Motel 6 located at 3040 Scarlett Street. While officers were conducting their welfare check, the male suspect—later identified as 58-year-old David Kevin Griffis—produced a handgun and opened fire on the responding officers.
According to police, the incident began shortly after midnight when patrol officers were dispatched to the motel for a welfare check regarding a possible victim of domestic violence. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with the alleged victim inside one of the rooms.
Authorities say Griffis fired multiple rounds in their direction, prompting three GCPD patrol officers to return fire. None of the officers were injured in the exchange.
Following the gunfire, Griffis retreated back into the motel room, barricading himself inside. Patrol officers quickly secured the area, establishing a perimeter while crisis negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation and persuade Griffis to surrender peacefully. Despite repeated attempts, Griffis refused to exit.
Given the danger posed by an armed barricaded suspect, the GCPD SWAT team was activated. Officers deployed CS/OC gas canisters into the room, forcing Griffis out of his barricaded position. He was apprehended without further gunfire and immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of gas inhalation. Authorities confirmed that Griffis did not suffer any gunshot wounds during the incident.
Investigation and Charges
Following the arrest, Chief Scott Ebner contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to ensure an independent review of the officer-involved shooting. GBI agents arrived on scene and conducted an interview with Griffis while the GCPD Criminal Investigations Division began its parallel inquiry into the aggravated assault charges.
The GCPD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will also perform an administrative investigation to ensure all departmental policies and procedures surrounding the use of force were followed.
Griffis now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes
In addition to the shooting investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffis’ motel room. The search uncovered a significant quantity of narcotics and additional firearms, including:
- 28 grams of marijuana
- 10 grams of fentanyl plus 10 additional packages of fentanyl
- 14 grams of crack cocaine
- 0.8 grams of cocaine
- 14 grams of methamphetamine
- Various prescription pills
- Two handguns
Police say additional drug-related charges are forthcoming.
Community Impact
The Motel 6 remained under heavy police presence for several hours as officers worked to secure the area. Guests were evacuated from nearby rooms for safety, and the surrounding area was temporarily closed to traffic.
In a statement, GCPD expressed relief that no officers or civilians were injured during the violent confrontation. “This incident highlights the dangers our officers face daily,” a spokesperson said. “We are grateful for the swift actions of our patrol officers, the professionalism of our negotiators, and the decisive response of our SWAT team.”
The case remains under active investigation by both the GBI and local authorities. Griffis is currently being held pending formal arraignment, with additional narcotics-related charges expected in the coming days.
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