VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) -A 14-year-old is facing multiple felony charges after Valdosta police say he was found with a firearm and led officers on a brief chase.

According to the Valdosta Police Department (VPD), officers responded around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, to the 1600 block of Northside Drive after a caller reported a juvenile walking with a gun.

When an officer located the teen and attempted to make contact, police say he ran. During the chase, the juvenile stopped and turned toward the officer, refusing commands and leading to a physical struggle before he was taken into custody.

Investigators say the teen discarded the firearm while running. Officers later recovered the gun near the area where he was detained.

According to VPD, this marks the second time the 14-year-old has been arrested for possession of a firearm by a minor. The Department of Juvenile Justice authorized his detention at a Regional Youth Detention Center.

He is facing the following charges:

• Possession of a firearm by a minor (felony – second offense)
• Felony obstruction of an officer
• Tampering with evidence (felony)

“This incident shows the alarming trend of juveniles placing themselves and others in dangerous situations involving firearms. These encounters can quickly become unpredictable and require officers to make split-second decisions to protect public safety.”

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