Share and Follow
VALDOSTA, Ga. () — Police are seeking help locating a suspect in a Valdosta shooting that injured two teens.
Valdosta Police officers were conducting a traffic stop around 4 a.m. Sunday when they heard gunshots on East Gordon Street.
Responding officers found a 17-year-old boy who had been shot in the hip and began rendering aid. The teen was later transported to a local hospital.
A 15-year-old girl arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to her torso while first responders were on the scene of the shooting, a Valdosta Police spokesperson said.
Both shooting victims were treated and later released from the hospital.
Two other teens were superficially injured running away after shots were fired, police said.
Detectives found that there was a group of juveniles and adults attending a graduation and prom after-party when an argument broke out over an alleged theft of a cell phone charging cord.
This is when 21-year-old JaMaurion Fountain allegedly fired a rifle into the crowd.
Officials said that arrest warrants have been obtained for Fountain on the following charges:
- Five counts of aggravated assault
- Two counts of cruelty to children in the 1st degree
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Damage to property
- Terroristic threats
A spokesperson for the department said Fountain’s location is unknown, and he should be considered armed and dangerous. They also warned that anyone who “is determined to hinder the apprehension of Fountain” will face criminal charges.
“At four in the morning, there is absolutely no reason that any juveniles should be allowed to gather at a location with adults,” Chief Leslie Manahan said. “During a time of the year when families are celebrating graduations and proms, we are extremely lucky that we do not have families that are planning funerals. We are still looking into who was responsible and allowed this gathering, and we will hold them accountable as well.”
If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.