VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) is investigating two shootings in the parking lot outside Fin and Feathers at the Valdosta Mall, according to a press release.

VPD said the first incident happened on Saturday, Dec. 6. at 1 a.m. Officers went to the parking lot in front of Fin and Feathers after someone reported hearing gunshots.

While officers were looking for the source of the gunshots, a 21-year-old man showed up at South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg, according to police.

Police say the man gave different accounts as to what happened and told officers that he did not feel as though he was targeted, but was hit by a stray bullet.

According to VPD, the man told officers he did not wish to move forward with an investigation or prosecution. He was treated and released from SGMC.

Then, at 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 911 received several calls of a large fight at Fin and Feathers, and a gun was fired in the parking lot, according to the release.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene and found evidence that someone was shot.

Police say officers were told that the victim was a 28-year-old man who had already left the scene in a vehicle headed to the hospital.

Officers met with the victim when he arrived at SGMC and immediately saw a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Medical staff took him to perform life-saving measures.

Police say the man is in critical but stable condition.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to investigate.

Through witnesses and evidence collected at the scene, it was determined that there was a physical altercation inside the restaurant. As those involved in the fight left the restaurant into the parking lot, a firearm was fired several times, resulting in the man being shot.

VPD says both cases are under investigation.

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 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.