Teen Charged After 14-Year-Old Accidentally Shot in Face at Valdosta Apartment Complex

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 16-year-old has been charged after investigators said he accidentally shot a 14-year-old boy in the face while the two were playing with a handgun Friday afternoon at a Valdosta apartment complex.

According to the Valdosta Police Department, officers, firefighters, and paramedics responded around 12:45 p.m. on May 15, 2026, to Park Chase Apartments following reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found citizens providing first aid to a 14-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.

Police said officers took over medical care until personnel with the Valdosta Fire Department and South Georgia EMS arrived.

While receiving treatment, the victim told officers the shooting was accidental and that he had been shot by a friend who was playing with a firearm, investigators said.

The teen was transported to South Georgia Medical Center and later transferred to a hospital in Florida for additional treatment. Authorities said he remains in critical but stable condition.

Detectives determined during the investigation that the 16-year-old accidentally discharged the handgun while handling it, according to police.

Authorities said both families cooperated fully with investigators, allowing detectives to quickly determine what occurred.

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice authorized detention of the 16-year-old at a Regional Youth Detention Center.

Police said the juvenile was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18 and Reckless Conduct before being transported to the Lowndes County Jail pending transfer to the youth detention facility.

Leslie Manahan said investigators appreciated the cooperation from the families and juveniles involved as officers worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.