‘He Kept Reaching’: Teen Tased, Arrested With Stolen Gun After Valdosta Chase

By Carol A. Gasser Moore |

VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia –  A late-night traffic stop turned into a tense and dangerous confrontation Saturday after a 16-year-old boy armed with a stolen gun ran from police and resisted arrest, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

Officers pulled over a sedan just before midnight on Aug. 2, after the vehicle allegedly ran a red light on North Oak Street. Inside were two teens — a 17-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger — both residents of Lowndes County, though police have not released their names due to their ages.

What began as a routine stop quickly escalated. When officers approached the vehicle to question the occupants, the 16-year-old passenger bolted from the car.

“He ran before we could even ask for ID,” one officer reported. “Then it got physical.”

As police caught up and tackled the teen to the ground, a struggle ensued. The teen managed to break free once, then again resisted as officers tried to subdue him. During the confrontation, officers say the boy repeatedly reached toward his waistband — behavior that caused immediate concern for officer safety.

Despite multiple verbal commands to stop, the teen did not comply, according to the police report. Officers deployed a taser, bringing the teen to the ground once more. This time, he submitted.

A loaded firearm, later confirmed as stolen, was recovered from his waistband. No shots were fired during the incident.

Charges Filed

The 16-year-old was charged with:

• Felony theft by receiving stolen property (firearm)
• Possession of a firearm under the age of 18 (misdemeanor)
• Obstruction of an officer (misdemeanor)

He is currently being held at a Regional Youth Detention Center, pending a juvenile court appearance.

The 17-year-old driver was not charged, but the investigation is ongoing.

A Familiar Pattern in South Georgia

This incident follows a string of youth-related gun offenses in Valdosta and surrounding South Georgia communities. In June, another teen was arrested after allegedly firing a stolen weapon during an attempted robbery near Five Points.

Public safety officials say stolen firearms — often taken from unlocked vehicles or homes — are increasingly winding up in the hands of minors, putting communities and law enforcement at heightened risk.

“It’s a dangerous and heartbreaking trend,” said Lt. Melissa Avery, a youth crimes investigator with VPD. “One impulsive decision by a teenager can change — or end — a life in seconds.”

Community Responds

Local leaders have called for more parental involvement and community-led youth programs, especially during summer months when juvenile crime historically rises.

“The summer is when we lose them,” said Pastor Darnell Hughes of a local youth outreach nonprofit. “Idle time, peer pressure, and easy access to weapons is a toxic combination.”

Valdosta Police continue to urge residents to lock their vehicles and secure firearms, as well as report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about this case or others is encouraged to call the Valdosta Police Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145, or leave a tip at (229) 293-3091 or online at valdostacity.com/police-department.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more details become available.