Release:

On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at approximately 11:15 pm, Valdosta Police Department patrol officers responded to a residence near the 1100 block of West Magnolia Street, after a citizen called 911 to report a dispute. As officers arrived on the scene, they encountered a group of subjects fighting in the roadway. Two of the subjects that were fighting, Camille Williams and Donte Williams, had swords and were swinging them at Lennard Thomas, while he was trying to fight them back. Officers gave numerous verbal commands for Camille and Donte to drop their swords, and after doing so, they were detained.  

Through their investigation officers determined that Lennard had previously been at a residence, where he sprayed Camille in the face with pepper spray. Camille and Donte then retrieved swords and took off to confront Lennard.

As officers attempted to arrest Lennard, his brother Anthony Thomas arrived on the scene and started grabbing his brother, keeping the officers from making the arrest. Anthony was detained for obstructing the officers while they were performing their lawful duties.

All offenders were arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail on the following charges:

Camille Williams and Donte Williams:

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-felony;
• Possession of a knife during the commission of a felony-felony; and
• Obstruction of a law enforcement officer-misdemeanor.

Anthony Thomas- Obstruction of a law enforcement officer-misdemeanor.

Lennard Thomas- Battery- misdemeanor.

Lennard was taken to South Georgia Medical Center, where he was treated and released for injuries received from the swords.

“Our officers did an outstanding job in de-escalating the situation and taking everyone into custody peacefully. This was a fast-moving situation and our officers handled it perfectly”. Chief Leslie Manahan