The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) arrested four teenage boys on Sunday, Oct. 11, following a report of suspicious activity at an apartment complex located on Bemiss Road. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours, specifically around 2:45 a.m., when a concerned caller contacted dispatch to report a group of boys walking through the complex grounds. The caller indicated that these individuals appeared to be actively engaged in looking into parked vehicles within the premises.
According to official reports from the Valdosta Police Department, the caller provided law enforcement officers with a detailed description of the clothing worn by the group. The situation escalated when the boys were confronted by the caller, which prompted them to flee the apartment complex property. They were observed running from the complex and across the adjacent road, as documented in the initial dispatch report received by authorities.
Responding Valdosta Police officers promptly initiated a search of the immediate area surrounding the incident location. Their diligent efforts led them to locate four boys matching the description that had been provided by the caller. The teens were found walking on Giddens Drive. Upon further identification, it was determined that the group consisted of three 14-year-old males and one 15-year-old male.
Officers proceeded to detain all four individuals present at the scene. The initial detention was based on misdemeanor charges of curfew violation and loitering. Following their detention, officers conducted a thorough search of the boys in accordance with established procedures. During this search, a significant discovery was made on one of the 14-year-olds. This particular individual was found to be in possession of both a gun and a vape device, which were reportedly hidden within his clothing.
As a direct result of this discovery, the 14-year-old who possessed the weapon and vape faced additional charges. These new charges included possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18, which is classified as a misdemeanor offense, and having a vape in his possession, also designated as a misdemeanor.
Following the formal laying of charges, Valdosta Police officers contacted the Department of Juvenile Justice to coordinate the appropriate next steps for the minor found with the firearm. The Department of Juvenile Justice subsequently authorized the decision to detain the boy at a Regional Youth Detention Center. To facilitate this, he was transported to the Lowndes County Jail, where he would await transport to the designated youth detention facility.
For the remaining three boys, who were also detained for curfew violation and loitering but were not found with any contraband, officers contacted their respective parents. The parents were promptly informed of the situation involving their children and subsequently met with the officers at the location where their sons were being detained. After meeting with law enforcement and confirming their identities, the parents took their children home. This concludes the Valdosta Police Department's actions regarding the incident on Sunday, Oct. 11, which involved these four juveniles.
