SAVANNAH, Ga. — A tragic incident involving the death of 60-year-old Darren Lewis has spurred a Savannah legislator to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing similar occurrences. Lewis lost his life in a high-speed police pursuit that took place less than a year ago.

Authorities report that Lewis was hit by a vehicle evading law enforcement while he was stopped at Liberty Parkway. His identity was initially reported by . The police have identified him as an innocent victim caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

State Representative Carl Gilliard, a Democrat from Savannah, is advocating for the Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act, a legislative proposal inspired by this unfortunate event. The bill is in its formative stages but is quickly gaining traction among fellow lawmakers.

“This is breaking news,” Gilliard stated. “We have the bill ready, and tomorrow, it will receive endorsements from other legislators who are eager to co-sponsor it.”

The legislation aims to impose stricter regulations on high-speed police chases within residential areas and enhance law enforcement training, particularly focusing on the critical decision-making process regarding when to terminate a pursuit.

“When you’re doing a high-speed chase in a residential area, that’s very dangerous for the officer and the individual,” Gilliard said. “At a certain point, we should stop the chase. We’ve got technology from tag numbers to cameras in communities.”

Gilliard emphasized the proposal is not meant to blame law enforcement, but instead to provide clearer guidance and improve safety for officers and residents.

“There are a lot of things I’ve seen video of with high-speed chases in Savannah,” he said. “It is not the fault of law enforcement. These are individuals that need to live, too. Officers could have been killed. They were just trying to get the bad guy.”

Supporters say the legislation also gives the public a voice as it moves through committees and, potentially, to votes in the House and Senate. Gilliard said training will be one of the most critical parts of the proposal, especially as technology continues to evolve.

He also credits Lewis’ wife, Kathy Lewis, and other supporters for continuing to speak out in hopes of preventing future tragedies.

“Kathy Lewis has been on the battlefield telling the story,” Gilliard said. “She didn’t blame anyone. She just said, ‘I lost the love of my life.’ She’s trying to make things better.”

The Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act is expected to be formally introduced at the Georgia Statehouse on Jan. 28, a legislative workday under the Gold Dome. Supporters of the Darren Lewis Foundation, including Kathy Lewis, plan to be present as the bill begins its path through the legislature.