UPDATE JANUARY 5, 2024
Valdosta Police Department issued the following update to this case Friday:
On December 11, 2023, immediately after a press release was issued with a possible vehicle description, Logan Garrett Jones came to the police department to talk with officers. Jones cooperated with officers and took them to his residence where his vehicle was located. His vehicle was seized and taken to the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory for processing. Evidence was collected from Jones’ vehicle and was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Laboratory for analysis.
The Valdosta Police Department Traffic Unit contacted the Child’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for all the juveniles who were involved and witnessed the incident, to be forensically interviewed.
On January 3, 2024, several juveniles were interviewed by the CAC. After the interviews were completed, officers consulted with an Assistant District Attorney, and it was determined to move forward with formal charges on Jones.
On January 5, 2024, officers obtained arrest warrants on Jones for:
· Homicide by vehicle in the 1st degree-felony;
· Driving-hit and run resulting in serious injury or death-felony;
· Too fast for conditions-misdemeanor; and
· Reckless driving-misdemeanor.
Officers contacted Jones at his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident. Jones has been taken to Lowndes County Jail.
Officers have collected evidence that several vehicles traveled through the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road on
December 9, 2023, between the times of 6:10 pm. and 6:30 pm., and we are still asking for anyone who was in that area, please contact our Traffic Unit. The police department has been working closely with the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Child’s Advocacy Center, throughout each step of this investigation to help the victim’s mother and father as they try to move forward after this tragic event.
ORIGINAL STORY:
- Samuel Johnson Jr. was struck by a vehicle last Saturday when trying to help a dog on the side of the road.
- A suspected driver of a dark-colored Dodge Charger has come forward.
- Watch the video to hear from Valdosta High School
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT
I'm your neighborhood reporter, Malia Thomas.
This is the spot where police say Samuel Johnson, Jr. died last Saturday.
Valdosta Police say they've located the driver who they believe was involved in the crash that led to Johnson's death.
All week, the community has been sharing their memories of Johnson who was a Valdosta High football player.
Police say Johnson was walking here on Inner Perimeter Road when he spotted an injured dog and tried to help it.
That's when police say he was hit.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
VPD says the driver they believe was involved is fully cooperating with the investigation.
As such, their name isn't being released at this time.
Johnson was a sophomore at Valdosta High School.
The school released a statement saying in part quote: "May we find solace in remembering the impact Sam had on each of us and keep his memory alive in our hearts."
A memorial service is being held for Johnson this Sunday.
The memorial will be taking place on December 17th, at 2p.m. at Perimeter Road Baptist Church.
In Valdosta, I'm Malia Thomas, ABC27.
