Four Arrested After Gunfire Strikes Near Valdosta Officer Responding to Party Complaint
VALDOSTA, Georgia – Four people, including three 17-year-olds, were arrested after shots were fired near a Valdosta police officer who was dispersing a crowd at a large party early Sunday morning.
According to the Valdosta Police Department, officers responded at approximately 1:40 a.m. on May 31 to a residence in the 800 block of South Oak Street regarding a loud party and large crowd.
As attendees were leaving the area, an officer standing beside a marked patrol vehicle heard gunshots nearby. The officer immediately began moving toward the area where the shots originated when he heard bullets striking a tree near his location.
Investigators said the officer also observed a pickup truck speeding away from the scene and was able to provide a description of the vehicle to responding officers.
The officer checked the area for victims but did not locate anyone who had been struck by gunfire. However, investigators found two homes that had been damaged by gunfire.
Additional officers quickly located the suspect vehicle, a Dodge Ram pickup truck, in the parking lot of a Piggly Wiggly in the 1100 block of Madison Highway. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained the occupants.
Police arrested Michael A. Lewis, 20, KaMeon J. Wright, 17, Traveon Turner, 17, and Bryan Burke, 17. Investigators also recovered a handgun believed to have been used during the incident.
All four suspects were transported to the Lowndes County Jail and charged with:
- Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer (Felony)
- Two Counts of Aggravated Assault – Discharging a Firearm From a Vehicle Toward a Person (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Two Counts of Criminal Trespass – Damage to Property (Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Conduct (Misdemeanor)
- Discharging a Firearm Near a Public Street or Highway (Misdemeanor)
Police said Turner also had unrelated active arrest warrants.
“This is a great example of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “A loud music and large party complaint, which would typically not be considered a major emergency, quickly became a critical incident when citizens and our officer found themselves getting shot at. This is the reality of what law enforcement faces every day, and how any call at any time can turn dangerous.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
