January 16, 2025

(Tybee Island, GA) - During the course of an investigation, the Tybee Island Police Department has arrested a woman for allegedly firing a gun into her former boyfriend’s home.

At approximately 7:11 PM on Friday, January 10, 2025, officers of the Tybee Island Police Department responded to an address on Estill Avenue in reference to a report of shots fired. Once on scene, officers spoke with a man who stated he saw headlights pull into an area between his home and that of a neighbor, just before the shots rang out. While canvassing the area, officers found several empty shell casings from a handgun, but did not immediately locate any impact points.

The following day, the man contacted the Tybee Island Police Department and asked them to return to the scene for a follow-up. After their arrival, the man pointed out several bullet holes in his garage doors, which had been rolled up while the officers were on scene the night before. Based on information provided by the victim, and the Tybee Island Police Department’s FLOCK license plate reader system, officers were able to quickly identify the victim’s ex-girlfriend, Lauren Francis, as a potential suspect.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, detectives from the Tybee Island Police Department conducted an interview with Lauren Francis, after which she was placed under arrest and charged with Reckless Conduct, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Discharging a Firearm Near a Highway or Street, and Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, detectives served a search warrant at Lauren Francis’ home in unincorporated Chatham County, during which she was placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault under the Family Violence Act.

This remains an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

As we move forward, the Tybee Island Police Department wants you to know that if you, or a loved one are currently involved in an abusive relationship, help is available through services such as SAFE Shelter, or your local law enforcement agency.