Release:

On May 12, 2020, at approximately 11:56 pm, patrol officers with the Valdosta Police Department responded to the 700 block of Lake Laurie Drive, after a citizen called 911 after seeing subjects running from his neighbor’s residence. The citizen provided a detailed description of the vehicle that the subjects fled from the scene in. The victim reported that his vehicle was entered and he had property, to include a handgun taken. An officer in the area located the vehicle and performed a traffic stop on it. The vehicle was occupied by Leon Graham, Michael Clements, and Walter Bradley. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the victim’s stolen property, including his handgun being recovered, and another stolen handgun that had been reported stolen earlier on this date from a different location and vehicle. Some marijuana was found concealed in the vehicle as well. All three offenders were transported to Lowndes County Jail on the following charges:

Leon Graham: Theft by Entering an Auto (Felony), Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (Felony), Possession of marijuana (Misdemeanor), Theft by receiving stolen property (Felony)

Michael Clements: Theft by entering an auto (Felony).

Walter Bradley: Theft by entering an auto (Felony), Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor).

“The citizens immediately notifying us of this incident allowed our officers to quickly locate these offenders and recover all of the stolen items. We want to remind everyone to ensure your vehicle is locked and do not leave any valuable items in them while they are unattended.” Lt. Scottie Johns