VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) —A 12-year-old boy and his 14-year-old sister face multiple charges after Valdosta police recovered a stolen handgun and other property taken during vehicle break-ins along Baytree Road.

Officers initially responded around 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, to a business in the 1800 block of Baytree Road after a victim called 911 to report someone had entered her vehicle and stolen property, including a handgun. The victim reported parking her car around 6 p.m. before returning to find the items missing.

The following morning, officers met with the victim and employees of 67 Motors, who provided surveillance footage of the theft. An officer quickly recognized the suspect in the video as a 12-year-old boy he had spoken with just the day before.

Police responded to the address provided during that previous interaction, where they made contact with the juvenile and his mother. Inside the residence, officers found several items reported stolen.

While speaking with the juvenile and his mother to find the missing firearm, officers spotted the boy’s 14-year-old sister outside the apartment attempting to hide an object in nearby bushes. A search of the area revealed the victim’s stolen handgun.

The 12-year-old was charged with:

• Theft by entering auto (felony)
• Possession of a firearm by a person under 18 (misdemeanor)
• Possession of a vape under 21 (misdemeanor)

The 14-year-old was charged with:

• Tampering with evidence (felony)
• Theft by receiving stolen property – firearm (felony)
• Possession of a vape under 21 (misdemeanor)

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice authorized detention for both juveniles at a Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC). Both were transported to the Lowndes County Jail awaiting transfer to the facility.

Investigators determined two vehicles were entered at 67 Motors, though a second victim declined to file a formal police report. Detectives are continuing to investigate whether the 12-year-old is connected to another vehicle theft reported in the same area.

“This was outstanding work by our officers,” Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan said. “When the officer saw the surveillance video and recognized the offender as being a juvenile whom he spoke to the day before, they immediately took action. Their quick action took a firearm out of two juveniles’ hands.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-242-2606, call the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or submit an online tip at valdostacity.com/police-department.

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