WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The Valdosta Police Department has released details regarding an incident that occurred Sunday, Jan. 18, in the Ora Lee West housing complex, citing the involvement of a crowd that interfered with law enforcement operations.

What Happened

According to a Facebook post from the Valdosta PD, Officers working extra duty for the Valdosta Housing Authority initiated a traffic stop in a parking lot at Ora Lee West. During the investigation into the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, a crowd began to accumulate around the scene.

Officials say after giving verbal commands to disperse, officers attempted to detain an 18-year-old male who was obstructing the investigation. The subject fled the scene and entered an apartment that was not his residence.

Once inside the apartment, the subject physically resisted officers after being given commands and opportunities to comply, according to the police statement. As law enforcement worked to detain the individual, others—many from the original traffic stop scene—arrived at the apartment and began interfering with the arrest process.

Extended Incident, Multiple Arrests

The VPD states the entire incident inside the apartment lasted approximately 6.5 minutes. During this time, bystanders allegedly attempted to pull suspects away from officers, pushed officers, and positioned themselves between law enforcement and those being detained. In one instance documented in a video, an individual wrapped around a suspect to prevent arrest.

The incident resulted in five arrests:

• 18-year-old male: Two counts of felony obstruction, misdemeanor marijuana possession
• 18-year-old female: Misdemeanor obstruction
• 18-year-old male: Misdemeanor obstruction
• 17-year-old male: Felony obstruction
• 15-year-old male: Felony obstruction

Independent Investigation Ordered

The Valdosta Police Department acknowledged videos of the incident circulating online and concerns regarding the force used during arrests. In response, the VPD has requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.