Valdosta Police Department Release:
On October 9, 2020, at approximately 9:03 am., Valdosta Police Officers and Detectives responded to Family Dollar at 512 East Central Avenue, after receiving a 911 call about a robbery to the business. The offender was described as an African American male entered the business and brandished a firearm while demanding money. After taking the money from the clerk, the offender fled on foot in a direction behind the store. When officers and detectives arrived on the scene, they obtained a detailed clothing description of the offender from the clerk. A be on the lookout (BOLO) was issued out to local law enforcement, with a detailed description of the offender.
A short time after the BOLO was issued, a Lowndes County Detective observed someone matching the description in the area of Highway 84 and James Road. The offender, later identified as Donald Williams, was detained by Lowndes County Deputies. Valdosta Police Department Detectives responded to the location where Williams was detained and continued their investigation.
Through further investigation detectives obtained evidence that connected Williams to the robbery at Family Dollar. Williams was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he is being held pending the charges of armed robbery- felony and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime-felony. Detectives are continuing to investigate Williams and further charges are pending.
“This is a great example of our local law enforcement agencies working together to get this dangerous criminal off the streets. We appreciate the assistance of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office in their quick identification and apprehension of this offender.” Chief Leslie Manahan
Lowndes County Sherif’s Office Release:
The Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the recent armed robbery of two Dollar General stores, the first at Highway 41 and Copeland Road and the second at the store near Walkers Crossing on Bemiss Road. Detectives were also aware of the recent robberies of businesses in Valdosta and Hamilton County, Florida all believed to all be connected. Today, a robbery occurred in the city of Valdosta {Valdosta P.D. will be releasing additional information shortly} and deputies and detectives began looking for a suspect. A short time later, a detective noticed a vehicle matching the description and a driver wearing clothing similar to that of the robber at the intersection of James Road and Highway 84. The driver of the vehicle, Donald Williams Jr. {date of birth: 11-05-1995} was contacted and taken into custody by deputies.
Through investigation, Donald Williams has been connected to the mentioned robberies in Lowndes County, the city of Valdosta and Hamilton County, Florida and will be charged with two counts of armed robbery and other associated charges. Williams was taken to the Lowndes County Jail and will be arraigned very soon. This effort was a multi-agency investigation by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Valdosta Police Department and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
A arrest photograph will be available may be delayed but will be available later this afternoon.
