VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Valdosta Police officers faced a chaotic scene while responding to a shooting at Dad’s to Go on Oct. 12 at 3 a.m.

After hearing gunshots, officers entered the business amidst a fleeing crowd and found Harvey Caleb Freeman, 18, with a gunshot wound to his torso.

While one officer searched for the shooter, another took the victim outside to render first aid. However, their life-saving efforts were severely hampered when the victim’s brothers, Harvey Anthony Freeman II, 21, and Harvey Antonio Freeman, 20, began to physically assault the officers, pushing them and attempting to strike them.

A deputy was hit in the face during the struggle. Both brothers were arrested and taken to the Lowndes County Jail.

Harvey Anthony Freeman II was charged with two counts of felony obstruction of an officer and terroristic threats (misdemeanor).

Harvey Antonio Freeman was charged with felony obstruction of an officer.

Despite the interference, the victim was transported to a Florida hospital, where he is in stable but critical condition.

Detectives quickly identified the 16-year-old shooter through surveillance video and have obtained arrest warrants for:

• Aggravated assault - felony
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony - felony
• Possession of a firearm by a minor - misdemeanor
• Reckless conduct - misdemeanor

Law enforcement is actively searching for the juvenile, and family members have been notified to urge his surrender. Anyone aiding the offender will face criminal charges.

“I am outraged that our officers, who were doing everything they could to save this man’s life, had to fight through his own family members to do their jobs. Our officers were doing all they could to provide life-saving measures for this victim, but they were attacked and pushed back by the victim’s brothers. That interference cost precious seconds that could have made a difference, not only jeopardizing the victim’s life, but also interfering with our officers’ ability to search for the armed offender who could have still been on the scene. When officers are trying to save someone’s life and find an armed offender, they deserve cooperation, not confrontation, especially from the victim’s family.”

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Valdosta Police Department Investigations Bureau at (229) 293-3145, or the crime tip line at (229) 293-3091.

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