VALDOSTA, Ga. – On Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at approximately 3:05 p.m., Valdosta Police Department officers responded to the South Georgia Medical Center in reference to a robbery by sudden snatching.

Upon the officer’s arrival he observed Joshua Richardson, who was fighting with SGMC staff.

According to a VPD incident report, officers determined that Richardson had approached a citizen at the hospital and snatched his cellphone which was laying in his lap.

Another citizen chased Richardson until hospital staff was able to stop him.  Officers were able to detain Richardson and he was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he is being held pending a charge of robbery by sudden snatching.

“We are thankful for the citizens and the hospital staff the intervened in this incident, to ensure that the offender was held accountable for his actions,” stated VPD Lieutenant Scottie Johns.