VALDOSTA – A woman from Valdosta was arrested by VPD for discharging a firearm into a residence and multiple vehicles during a dispute.

Release:

Arrested:  Shaque Whitted O’Connor, African American female, 30 years of age, Valdosta resident

On May 9, 2024, at approximately 6:48 pm., Valdosta Police Officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of New Hudson Street after citizens called E911 to report a dispute involving a female with a firearm.  Witnesses stated that the female had discharged the firearm multiple times.  As officers were responding to the scene, a witness stated that the offender, later identified as Shaque Whitted O’Connor, 30 years of age, had driven away from the scene.  A witness described the vehicle that O’Connor was driving to the E911 dispatcher.  

Officers observed the vehicle on South Fry Street and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  O’Connor was detained and the firearm was located.

Through investigation, officers determined that O’Connor had been involved in a dispute with another family member.  During the dispute, she retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and began discharging it.  A residence and vehicles were struck numerous times by bullets.  At the time the residence was struck by bullets, there were occupants inside, including a 3-year-old child and a child under the age of 2 years.

O’Connor was arrested and taken to Lowndes County Jail, where she is being held on the charges of: 

• 4 counts of aggravated assault family violence-felony;
• 2 counts of reckless conduct-misdemeanor;
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime-felony;
• 2 counts of cruelty to children in the 1s degree-felony; and
• 3 counts of cruelty to children in the 3rd degree family violence.

“Our officers and the E911 dispatchers did an excellent job handling this call for service, resulting in a quick arrest being made. It is extremely hard to understand someone shooting a firearm into her own family’s residence. We are extremely lucky that she did not injure anyone, especially the small children.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.