Police arrest 13- and 14-year-old boys in Valdosta after chase

• Valdosta police have arrested two teenagers following a chase involving a stolen car.
• The juvenile court has placed both youths in a regional juvenile detention center.
• Read the VPD press release below to learn how the boys were caught.

VPD PRESS RELEASE:

On July 27, 2024, shortly after midnight, a Valdosta Police Officer patrolling the area of ​​the 1300 block of Bethune Street observed a vehicle being driven recklessly in that residential area. The officer realized the car had been reported stolen on a previous occasion. When other officers arrived in the area, a traffic stop was initiated. The driver of the vehicle did not yield to officers and continued to drive recklessly. Officers pursued the car until it was inoperable due to damage and stopped. When the vehicle came to a stop, three occupants ran from the car.

One passenger, a 13-year-old juvenile, was quickly apprehended by a Valdosta Police Department sniffer dog. Another 14-year-old juvenile passenger was located by a Georgia State Patrol trooper. Officers searched the area where the 13-year-old was arrested and found two firearms. Evidence was also found linking the juveniles to other criminal activity.

Both juveniles were charged with theft by possession of a stolen vehicle (felony), fleeing and attempting to elude (felony), and obstructing a police officer (misdemeanor). The 13-year-old is also charged with two counts of possession of a weapon by a minor (misdemeanor). Both juveniles were treated for minor injuries at South Georgia Medical Center and released. The juvenile court has incarcerated both juveniles in a regional juvenile detention center.

This case remains under investigation and further charges are pending.

“This is a great example of proactive work by one of our officers and great teamwork by not only our officers, but other law enforcement officers in our area. This resulted in two firearms being taken out of the hands of juveniles, and I am thankful that the reckless actions of these juveniles did not result in any serious injuries,” said Police Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has additional information about this or other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department’s Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the Crime Tip Line at 229-293-3091, or submit a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.