Updated – Release:

On May 3, 2020, at approximately 8:42 pm., Valdosta Police Officers responded to the 2900 block of Fawnwood Circle, after numerous citizens called E911 to report a subject shooting a gun off in the area. As soon as officers arrived on the scene, they observed a 25-year-old male armed with an assault rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. The male shot several rounds from the rifle into the ground, as he began to walk towards the officers. The male made several comments to officers that he wanted officers to kill him. Officers began to talk with the male and tried to convince him to drop his weapons. Throughout the approximate one hour stand-off, the subject did drop two of the weapons but kept the handgun while continuing to threaten to harm himself. During this time, some officers on the scene also prepared themselves with less-lethal force.

One officer was able to get an opportunity to deploy a less-lethal weapon, which struck the subject causing him to drop his weapon. Other officers moved in quickly and were able to take him into custody. Emergency Medical Services with South Georgia Medical Center responded and transported to the subject to the hospital for a mental evaluation. No one was injured during the incident.

Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene and investigate the situation. The case is still under investigation and charges could be pending.

“We are grateful for the quick response and assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol, to help us contain the scene to ensure that no one was injured. I am extremely proud of the work of our responding officers, who remained calm during this extremely stressful situation, and handled it perfectly. “ Chief Leslie Manahan.