Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of 16-Year-Old Teenager in Lowndes County, Georgia

LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. – A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Lowndes County, Georgia, on December 9, when a 16-year-old teenager, Samuel Johnson Jr., tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while attempting to assist an injured dog. The Valdosta Police Department has reported the incident, urging the public for any information related to the case.

The unfortunate incident occurred in the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road, where Johnson, a compassionate and caring individual, noticed a dog that had been struck by a vehicle. Without hesitation, he rushed to aid the injured animal, but sadly met with a fatal accident himself as he was struck by another vehicle.

A passerby, driving through the same area, witnessed the distressing scene and promptly halted to investigate. While attending to the dog, which had unfortunately succumbed to its injuries, the driver discovered Johnson lying on the grass median, alongside another injured dog. Recognizing the severity of the situation, she immediately dialed 9-1-1, summoning Valdosta police officers, firefighters, and EMS to the scene.

Despite the swift response from emergency services, Johnson’s injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The entire community mourns the loss of this young life, which was taken away in such a tragic and selfless act.

Through meticulous examination of the evidence collected at the accident site, the Valdosta Police Department identified the offending vehicle as a dark-colored Dodge Charger manufactured between 2011 and 2014. Witnesses last observed this vehicle in the vicinity of Inner Perimeter Road and North Forrest Street Extension before it fled the area.

In a bid to gather vital information about the hit-and-run driver, the police department took to their official Facebook page on Monday morning, appealing to the public for assistance. A few hours later, a follow-up post confirmed that the vehicle had been located. However, no details were provided regarding any potential arrests made in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information pertinent to the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145. Alternatively, individuals can anonymously report tips by calling the dedicated crime tip line at 229-293-3091 or submitting information online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.