VALDOSTA – A 16-year-old was arrested by Valdosta Police Department after numerous calls of gunshots in the East Rogers Street area.

Release:

ARRESTED: African American male juvenile, 16 years of age, Valdosta resident

On August 13, 2024, at noon, Valdosta Police Officers and Detectives responded to the 400 block of East Rogers Street, after numerous citizens called E911 to report gunshots.  When officers arrived in the area, a 22-year-old male reported that as he was walking to his car, which was parked at a residence, two unknown males walked toward him.  He stated that one of the males produced a firearm and shot it in his direction multiple times. 

Through witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, detectives identified a 16-year-old male juvenile, as the person who had shot the firearm.  Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the juvenile for aggravated assault (felony), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony), and possession of a firearm by a minor (misdemeanor).

On August 27, 2024, detectives found the juvenile hiding in an apartment that belonged to a relative.  He was taken into custody for his active arrest warrants without any incident.  The juvenile was detained at a Regional Youth Detention Center.

“At noon on a weekday, this juvenile shot a gun off in a reckless manner.  There were a lot of citizens walking around in the area, and we are thankful that no one was injured.  We appreciate the numerous tips that we received, that assisted our detectives in locating this offender.”

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.