VALDOSTA – A 14-year-old juvenile male from Valdosta was arrested by VPD for motor vehicle theft and resisting arrest.
Release:
Arrested: Juvenile Male, 14 years of age, Valdosta resident
On February 27, 2024, at approximately noon., Valdosta Police Officers were at a residence in the 1800
block of North Troup Street, talking with a 14-year-old juvenile and his mother about his involvement with motor vehicle thefts. The juvenile was holding a child under the age of 2 years old. As officers moved toward the juvenile to detain him, they attempted to get the juvenile’s mother to take custody of the small child. The juvenile dropped the child and attempted to resist arrest by fighting with officers. After a brief struggle, the juvenile was taken into custody.
Emergency Medical Services responded to the residence to check the small child, the teenager, and one
officer who was injured. The small child appeared to have no injuries, while the officer and teenager had
superficial injuries.
The Department of Juvenile Justice was contacted and authorized the detention of the juvenile for:
- 2 counts of motor vehicle theft-felony;
- Obstruction of an officer-felony;
- Cruelty to children in the 2nd degree-felony; and
- Possession of tobacco relate objects-misdemeanor.
The juvenile was taken to a Regional Youth Detention Center.
This case is still under investigation, and further charges are pending.
“This juvenile escalated this incident, which resulted in him endangering a toddler, injuring an officer, and injuring himself. The fact that he put the life of this toddler in danger to prevent himself from being arrested is baffling. He showed no respect for the safety of others.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.
