Man Arrested After Firing Gun, Making Threats While Intoxicated in Valdosta

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 57-year-old man was arrested Sunday afternoon after allegedly threatening people he knew and firing a gun multiple times while under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

Officers responded around 2:50 p.m. on April 5 to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the 1700 block of East Moore Street. One caller reported that the suspect, later identified as Mack Foster Gardner Jr., had fired shots at a residence. Witnesses also provided a description of the vehicle he was driving and the direction he fled.

Investigators determined Gardner had been involved in a verbal altercation outside the residence before making threats of bodily harm toward occupants and discharging a firearm. Authorities said there was no damage to the home and it did not appear the shots were directed at anyone.

A Valdosta police officer later located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. As Gardner exited, officers observed he was unsteady on his feet and had a firearm visible in his back pocket. He was taken into custody without incident.

Police said Gardner refused to cooperate and showed signs of being under the influence. A search of his vehicle revealed an additional firearm and a quantity of marijuana.

Gardner was transported to the Lowndes County Jail and faces multiple charges, including felony counts of terroristic threats and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Additional charges include driving under the influence, reckless driving, obstruction of an officer, marijuana possession, reckless conduct, and discharging a firearm near a public highway.

“While we are fortunate that no one was injured, the reckless discharge of a firearm, especially while under the influence, created a very dangerous and unpredictable situation,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “Because of the citizens quickly calling E911, the professionalism of dispatchers, and the swift response of our officers, we were able to safely take him into custody.”