Teen Student Arrested After Loaded Gun Found at Valdosta High School

A 16-year-old student at Valdosta High School was arrested Thursday morning after being found with a loaded handgun on campus.

On October 9, 2025, around 8 a.m., a Valdosta Police Department School Resource Officer assigned to the school was alerted that a male student had brought a firearm onto school grounds. When the student went through the school’s weapon detection system, the alarm was triggered.

A school administrator quickly intervened and, upon checking the student’s bookbag, discovered a loaded gun. The school resource officer immediately took custody of both the student and the weapon.

The student’s guardians were contacted and cooperated fully with the investigation. Police determined that no threats had been made toward students or staff.

The juvenile was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of a firearm by a person under 18. The Department of Juvenile Justice approved his detention at a Regional Youth Detention Center.