Valdosta Officer Uses Taser After Man Kidnaps Infant and Grabs for Officer’s Gun

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 20-year-old man was arrested Tuesday night after police said he kidnapped a 9-month-old baby, resisted arrest, and attempted to remove an officer’s handgun during a struggle outside a Valdosta residence.

According to the Valdosta Police Department, officers responded at approximately 9 p.m. on May 12, 2026, to the 400 block of Northside Drive after a woman called 911 reporting that Zykerrian Deshawn Thornton had taken a baby without permission.

While an officer was speaking with the victim outside the residence, Thornton was seen walking through the parking lot while carrying the infant, police said.

Authorities said the officer ordered Thornton to stop, but he refused and forced his way into the victim’s residence, where he allegedly placed the baby on a bed.

According to investigators, the officer confronted Thornton at the front door and attempted to arrest him. During the struggle, Thornton physically resisted and attempted to pull the officer’s handgun from its holster.

Police said the officer then deployed a Taser, causing Thornton to stop resisting.

Additional officers arrived shortly afterward, and Thornton was taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities said officers located the infant inside the residence unharmed.

Thornton was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Lowndes County Jail.

He faces multiple charges, including Kidnapping under Family Violence, Aggravated Stalking under Family Violence, Robbery by Sudden Snatching under Family Violence, Obstruction of an Officer by Threats or Violence, Attempted Removal of a Weapon From a Public Official, Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree, Reckless Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property, and Criminal Trespass.

Leslie Manahan praised the responding officer’s actions and emphasized the dangers often associated with domestic violence situations.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.