Two Weekend Shootings Outside Valdosta Mall Restaurant Leave One Injured, One in Critical Condition

Valdosta Police are investigating two separate shootings that occurred in the parking lot outside Fins and Feathers at the Valdosta Mall this past weekend, one of which left a man in critical condition.

The first incident happened on December 6 around 1 a.m., when a caller reported hearing gunfire in the parking area in front of the restaurant. Officers searched the lot and found signs that shots had been fired. While they were still investigating, a 21-year-old man arrived at South Georgia Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his leg.

According to police, the victim gave conflicting accounts about what happened and told officers he believed he had been hit by a stray bullet rather than being targeted. He also said he did not want to pursue an investigation or prosecution. His injury was treated, and he was later released.

Roughly 24 hours later, officers were called back to the same location. On December 7 at about 1:10 a.m., several callers reported a large fight outside Fins and Feathers, followed by gunfire. When officers arrived, they found more evidence of a shooting but learned that the victim had already been taken to the hospital by people at the scene.

Police met with the 28-year-old victim when he arrived at South Georgia Medical Center and saw that he had been shot in the upper torso. Medical staff immediately began life-saving treatment. As of the latest update, the man is in critical but stable condition.

Detectives say evidence and witness statements indicate the second shooting began with a physical fight inside the restaurant. As the people involved moved outside into the parking lot, someone fired several shots, hitting the victim.

Crime Scene Personnel and investigators processed both scenes, and detectives are continuing to work both cases. Police have not announced any arrests, and both investigations remain active.