GEORGIA — A traffic stop conducted by the Valdosta Police Department led to the arrest of five individuals Sunday evening, according to police.
Authorities said the incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, when VPD officers assigned to work with the Valdosta Housing Authority conducted a traffic stop in a parking lot within the Ora Lee West area. During the stop, officers began investigating the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle when a crowd gathered nearby.
Police said officers issued multiple verbal commands for bystanders to back away, stating the crowd was interfering with the traffic stop. While attempting to disperse the group, an officer tried to detain an 18-year-old male who was allegedly obstructing the investigation. Police said the individual fled the scene and entered a nearby apartment that did not belong to him.
According to VPD, the officer caught up with the suspect but encountered physical resistance. As the officer attempted to take the individual into custody, other people arrived and began interfering with the arrest, prompting the officer to call for backup. Police said several bystanders continued to interfere, including attempting to pull suspects away from officers, pushing officers, and stepping between officers and the individuals being detained.
As a result, five people were arrested. Charges include two counts of felony obstruction and misdemeanor marijuana possession for one 18-year-old male; misdemeanor obstruction for an 18-year-old female; misdemeanor obstruction for another 18-year-old male; felony obstruction for a 17-year-old male; and felony obstruction for a 15-year-old male.
The Valdosta Police Department has requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090.
