19-year-old arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

VALDOSTA, Ga. – On July 25, 2025, at 7:15 p.m., Valdosta Police Officers and Detectives responded to the area of the 1000 block of Slater Street after numerous citizens called E911 to report hearing gunshots. When officers arrived, they found a residence in the 1000 block of Slater Street and one in the 200 block of East Force Street, which had been damaged by gunfire. Witnesses provided officers with a description of the vehicle that the offenders were driving.

Officers found the offenders’ vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 1300 block of North Troup Street. The driver, Airiel Leshawn Shelley, 18, was detained. The passenger, Alonzo Eugene Shelley, 19, ran from the vehicle. As officers were chasing Alonzo, they observed him throwing a firearm in the bushes. Alonzo was taken into custody, and officers recovered the handgun, which had been reported stolen.

Officers collected evidence from the scene, as well as from the vehicle, that connected Alonzo and Airiel to the shooting incident.

Alonzo and Airiel were both transported to Lowndes County Jail.

Has been charged with:

• Four counts of aggravated assault-felony;

• Tampering with evidence-felony;

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon-felony;

• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime-felony;

• Theft by receiving stolen property-felony; and

• Obstruction of an officer- misdemeanor.

“Thankfully, no one was injured during these offenders’ reckless actions. I am proud of the work of our officers and detectives who identified the offenders and were able to quickly take them into custody.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please get in touch with 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.

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