14-Year-Old Arrested After Foot Chase, Firearm Recovered in Valdosta

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after a foot chase with police during which a firearm was recovered, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

Officers responded around 3:15 p.m. on April 12, 2026, to the 1600 block of Northside Drive after receiving a report of a juvenile male walking in the area with a gun.

When an officer located the teen and attempted to make contact, the juvenile fled on foot. During the pursuit, police said the teen stopped, turned toward the officer, and refused to comply with verbal commands, leading to a physical struggle before he was taken into custody.

After the arrest, officers determined the juvenile had discarded the firearm while running. The weapon was later recovered in the area where he was apprehended.

Authorities said this is the juvenile’s second arrest for possession of a firearm by a minor. The Department of Juvenile Justice authorized his detention at a Regional Youth Detention Center.

The teen is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a minor, obstruction of an officer, and tampering with evidence, all classified as felonies.

“This incident shows the alarming trend of juveniles placing themselves and others in dangerous situations involving firearms,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “This juvenile, who is already facing his second illegal possession of a firearm charge, stopped running and turned around to face the officer in a challenging manner, while actively resisting arrest. This is just an example of the kinds of unpredictable and volatile encounters that our officers face every day, requiring them to make a split-second decision in the interest of public and officer safety.”