GEORGIA — Three juveniles — two 13-year-olds and a 16-year-old — were arrested Saturday after a break-in at a Valdosta vape shop, according to the Valdosta Police Department.
Officers responded to an alarm at Habibi Vape Shop at approximately 1:10 a.m. on Feb. 28, 2026. When police arrived, they found the front window shattered and evidence that someone had entered the business.
While officers checked the building, others patrolled the surrounding area. An officer near University Drive spotted a 16-year-old running away after noticing the patrol vehicle. The officer pursued the teen, who was later apprehended by a Lowndes County K9 Unit after attempting to hide under a house.
Police said the teen dropped several vape devices while being taken into custody. Officers determined the items had been stolen from the shop.
Shortly after the arrest, a resident reported three individuals acting suspiciously near a home not far from where the first teen was captured. When officers arrived, the three individuals ran. Police later located two of them — both 13-year-old boys — hiding in a utility closet.
Authorities said more than $1,500 worth of stolen property was recovered and returned to the store. The three juveniles were also identified on the business’s surveillance video.
All three were taken to a local youth detention center and charged with first-degree burglary, criminal damage to property, obstruction of an officer and unruly juvenile-curfew violation.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify a fourth suspect believed to be involved.
