Valdosta Police Arrest Man Accused of Firing Gun During Mall Parking Lot Dispute

The Valdosta Police Department has arrested a 28-year-old man accused of firing a handgun into the air during an argument outside a local restaurant last month.

Around 1:30 a.m. on November 29, 2025, an employee at Fins and Feathers Restaurant called 911 to report a large crowd and a possible dispute in the parking lot. The employee told dispatchers he believed he heard a gunshot. Officers arrived minutes later, but the crowd was already dispersing and no one on scene provided information about a firearm being discharged.

On December 2, management at the Valdosta Mall gave officers additional details along with evidence related to the incident. Detectives launched an investigation and determined that several people had been gathered in the parking lot, including Richard Devonne Faulk. Investigators say Faulk appeared to be arguing with multiple people while holding a handgun, then fired a round into the air, causing people to scatter.

On December 8, detectives secured warrants charging Faulk with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a felony, and reckless conduct, a misdemeanor. A BOLO alert was issued to area law enforcement.

The following day, deputies with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office located Faulk during a traffic stop and took him into custody without incident. After being interviewed by detectives, he was booked into the Lowndes County Jail.