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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Officers with the Valdosta Police Department have arrested a convicted felon who was reportedly in possession of a firearm made up of parts reportedly stolen from two local law enforcement agencies.

A detective with the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) Narcotics Unit was in the area of the Ora Lee West Homes located at 610 East Ann Street in the evening of Monday, June 2, when they observed several men standing near one of the apartments.

VPD claims to have received numerous complaints of suspicious activity involving firearms from residents in the area.

The detective immediately recognized one of the males as 20-year-old Joshua Lilley, a known convicted felon.

While speaking with Lilley and the three other men, who were juveniles, the detective observed what appeared to be a firearm in Lilley’s waistband. VPD says Lilley attempted to run from the detective but was quickly taken into custody.

After removing the gun from Lilley’s possession, the detective noticed a single serial number on the frame and a different one on the slide. Both serial numbers returned as a stolen firearm, one out of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the other from the Adel Police Department, according to VPD.

VPD reports that a bag of marijuana was also found in Lilley’s possession.

He has been charged with:

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Theft by receiving stolen property (firearm)
• Obstruction of an officer
• Possession of marijuana

Lilley was transported to Lowndes County Jail.

Chief Leslie Manahan says, ”This was an outstanding job by our detective. Because of his proactive work, he recovered two parts of stolen firearms and got a convicted felon off the streets. Our staff is continuing to identify subjects who are causing problems in our community, and we will continue making arrests.”

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please get in touch with the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.

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