VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A convicted felon is behind bars after Valdosta police say he was spotted walking through a neighborhood carrying a shotgun early Saturday morning.

According to the Valdosta Police Department, on April 26, around 1:45 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of JL Lomax Drive after E911 received a call about a man being loud and carrying a shotgun. The caller described the suspect as wearing red shoes.

When the first officer arrived, she spotted a man matching the description, later identified as Ezzie Smith, 49, was carrying what appeared to be a long gun by his side. As the officer attempted to stop him, Smith tried to evade her view. Additional officers arrived to assist, but Smith continued to ignore verbal commands and walked away.

Officers eventually found Smith hiding in a vacant field, no longer holding the gun. Despite repeated commands to stop and stop reaching into his pockets, Smith continued to resist. Officers ultimately detained him and discovered a kitchen knife in his front pocket.

Returning to the area where Smith was first seen, officers recovered a rifle hidden in the bushes. Through their investigation, authorities confirmed that Smith is a convicted felon.

VPD says Smith was arrested and transported to the Lowndes County Jail. He faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (felony) and obstruction of a law enforcement officer (misdemeanor).

Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145, the crime tip line at (229) 293-3091, or submit a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.

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