Four Arrested After Officers Break Up Large Early Morning Gathering in Valdosta
VALDOSTA, Georgia – Four people were arrested and two suspects were tased after officers responded to a large unauthorized gathering early May 17 in Valdosta, according to the Valdosta Police Department.
Police said officers observed a crowd of approximately 150 to 200 people gathered around 3:45 a.m. in a parking lot in the 2000 block of Bemiss Road.
As officers approached the area, they heard people yelling and saw several individuals running through the crowd. Officers also reported seeing multiple people carrying firearms.
Investigators said officers then witnessed two men assaulting another man who was on the ground by punching and kicking him. The suspects were later identified as 19-year-old Jon’Marre Cheatem and 20-year-old Grant Washington.
According to police, both men attempted to flee when officers approached. An officer attempting to detain Washington reported that he physically resisted and pulled away before the officer deployed a Taser, causing Washington to fall to the ground. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Police said Cheatem continued running through the parking lot and used vehicles and members of the crowd to avoid officers. Another officer deployed a Taser, causing Cheatem to fall to the ground. During the arrest, officers discovered a handgun concealed in Cheatem’s pocket, according to investigators.
While officers were securing the two men, another fight reportedly broke out between two women identified as 22-year-old Kaitlin Scott and 26-year-old Lakembria Dennison. Police said officers had to push through the crowd to separate the women, and Dennison allegedly resisted officers during the arrest.
Authorities said officers from the Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, and Valdosta State University Police Department responded to clear the crowd.
The victim allegedly assaulted by Cheatem and Washington was not located, according to police.
Washington, Scott, and Dennison were transported to the Lowndes County Jail and charged with affray and disorderly conduct. Washington also faces a misdemeanor obstruction charge, while Dennison was additionally charged with felony obstruction.
Cheatem was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Lowndes County Jail. He faces charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, tampering with evidence, obstruction of an officer, disorderly conduct, and affray.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as investigators work to identify the person responsible for organizing the gathering.
“The city will not tolerate unauthorized large gatherings, especially those occurring at 3:45 in the morning, as they disrupt the community, threaten public safety, and strain emergency resources,” Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan said in a statement. “When officers encounter this activity, it will be addressed immediately and shut down as quickly and as safely as possible.”
