Dangerous Suspect turned in after juvenile shot in Lovejoy vehicle attack

CLAYTON COUNTY, GA – A suspect has been taken into custody following a shooting that left a juvenile seriously injured in Lovejoy.

According to the Lovejoy Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call on January 17, 2026, in the 2500 block of Lovejoy Crossing Lane. When officers arrived, they found a juvenile seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and neck.

Investigators determined that the suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the juvenile, before fleeing the scene.

Lovejoy Police detectives identified 16-year-old Lequan Stephens as the suspected shooter and obtained aggravated assault warrants for his arrest. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also secured additional warrants for Stephens in connection with a separate shooting that occurred in the 1300 block of Misty Ridge Court.

A coordinated, multi-agency operation was launched, with law enforcement executing strategic actions at multiple residences connected to Stephens’ relatives and associates. Authorities emphasized that Stephens would receive no assistance and had no place to hide.

Earlier today, Stephens was turned in to the Clayton County Police Department by his father.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to the Lovejoy Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Clayton County Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service for their collaboration and continued commitment to public safety.

The investigation remains ongoing.