Valdosta Police Arrest Couple Found Asleep With Meth, Children in Vehicle

Valdosta Police arrested two adults on November 18, 2025, after they were found asleep in their vehicle with suspected methamphetamine, while two children under the age of 10 were in the backseat.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., a concerned citizen called 911 reporting a stationary vehicle at the intersection of Highland Heights Drive and Highland Heights Lane, noting that the occupants appeared to have fallen asleep. Officers arrived to find 27-year-old Kristopher Alan-Tyler Welch in the driver’s seat and 29-year-old Aryn Jessi Rider in the passenger seat, both unresponsive.

When officers woke Welch, they observed erratic behavior and had him exit the car. Upon doing so, officers discovered he had been sitting on a bag of suspected methamphetamine. Further search of the vehicle revealed additional methamphetamine in the presence of both Welch and Rider.

Both were arrested and taken to Lowndes County Jail, facing charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (felony) and reckless conduct (misdemeanor). The Lowndes County Department of Family and Children Services took custody of the children.

“This is a sad example of the dangers of illegal drug use. It angers me to see children caught in situations like this. I am grateful for the citizen who called 911, as well as the quick response of our officers, along with the assistance from the Lowndes County Department of Family and Children Services, working together to protect these children,” said Chief Leslie Manahan.