Teen Arrested After Pointing Airsoft Gun at Officer in Valdosta

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged after allegedly pointing what appeared to be a firearm at a police officer and then advancing with a weapon, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

Officers responded around 5:20 p.m. May 1 to the 1400 block of San Bernardino Way for a reported verbal dispute. While en route, a caller told dispatch that a juvenile had left the residence dressed in black and carrying a sharp stick.

An officer arriving at the scene located the juvenile walking along the roadway. Police said the teen appeared to be carrying a rifle slung over his shoulder and had what looked like a handgun holstered on his hip.

As the officer exited the patrol vehicle, the juvenile allegedly raised the handgun and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his weapon but was able to determine the firearm was an airsoft pistol.

Authorities said the juvenile then threw the airsoft gun to the ground, picked up a large sharpened stick and moved toward the officer in a threatening manner. The officer deployed a Taser, bringing the situation under control.

The teen was taken into custody without further incident and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, a felony. He was transported to a regional youth detention center after authorization from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

“Our officers have to make split-second decisions in dangerous and uncertain situations,” said Leslie Manahan. “When someone points what appears to be a firearm at an officer, the threat is perceived as real at that moment.”