Four Juveniles Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in Vidalia

On April 21, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers with the Vidalia Police Department Patrol Services Division responded to a 911 call reporting a stolen vehicle at Enmarket, located at 1401 E. First Street.

The victim reported that while she was inside the store, four juveniles entered her vehicle and fled using the rear exit onto Virginia Way. Officers quickly located the vehicle on North Cheney Drive. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspects drove to the dead end of North Cheney Drive and fled on foot. The vehicle, left in gear, rolled into a yard, causing minor damage to the vehicle but no damage to private property.

Within 30 minutes, officers identified and apprehended all four suspects. The juveniles, ranging in age from 14 to 16, included two from Vidalia and two from Lyons.

All four were charged with Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Obstruction of an Officer (Misdemeanor).
The 14-year-old driver was additionally charged with Driving While Unlicensed, Failure to Maintain Lane, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Failure to Obey a Stop Sign, and Duty Upon Striking Fixture (Leaving the Scene of an Accident).

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was contacted. One 16-year-old juvenile was detained at RYDC, and the remaining three were released to their guardians pending court hearings.