Two 14-year-olds from Valdosta arrested after wrecking accident with stolen car

VALDOSTA – Two 14-year-old boys were arrested after they hijacked a vehicle without permission and wrecked it while being chased by police.

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Arrested 1: Male juvenile, African American, 14 years old
Arrested 2: Juvenile male, African American, 14 years old

On July 18, 2024 at 3:20 a.m., a Valdosta Police Officer observed a vehicle driving recklessly in a residential area. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed and disregarding stop signs. The officer attempted to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not yield to the officer and accelerated. The officer pursued the car until the driver lost control and crashed at the intersection of East Central Avenue and Lee Street. The driver and passenger ran from the vehicle. The passenger, a 14-year-old male, was quickly detained by officers. The driver was able to evade arrest.

Officers contacted the owner of the vehicle, who reported that no one had permission to drive the car. Later that morning, the owner of the vehicle brought her 14-year-old son to the police station and officers identified him as the driver of the car.

The officers arrested both 14-year-olds for theft by stealing a motor vehicle (domestic violence – criminal offense) and obstruction of public order. The driver also faces fleeing and attempted fleeing (criminal offense), reckless driving (misdemeanor) and numerous traffic violations.

The juvenile court was notified and authorized the detention of both juveniles in a regional juvenile detention center.

“We are very fortunate that no one was injured as a result of the reckless behavior of these young people. We are grateful to the parents for their help and cooperation,” 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.