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Valdosta man shot dead after armed robbery, chase
GBI investigating incident that ended on Highway 301 North near Clito Road
GBI
Investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are shown at the scene of an armed robbery and chase incident that left the suspect dead after he tried to run the truck he was driving into law enforcement officers, who opened fire.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating an incident where a suspect was shot dead by law enforcement after a reported armed robbery and chase.

According to releases from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI, a call was received at 9:55 p.m. Thursday for an armed robbery at the Marathon store on Highway 80 East, at the intersection of Burkhalter Road and across from Pojo’s.

Upon arriving at the scene, “responding deputies observed the suspect vehicle, a large U-Haul moving truck, which refused to stop,” the Sheriff’s release stated.

Deputies then pursued the truck and attempted to force the suspect, who was later identified as Stanley Lamar Reed, 53, of Valdosta, to stop.

“The suspect intentionally struck multiple law enforcement vehicles and almost hit several deputies who had gotten out on foot,” according to the release.

Georgia State Patrol troopers responded to assist deputies in the pursuit, which traveled through Statesboro and into the county.

According to the GBI, deputies and troopers made multiple attempts to stop Reed, including using stop sticks and the PIT maneuver.

Finally, troopers performed another PIT Maneuver on the vehicle that resulted in the U-Haul leaving the road on Highway 301 North at Brooks Hendrix Road. The vehicle struck a power pole before coming to rest in the woods. The wreck caused some area residents and businesses to lose power.

Deputies and troopers approached the truck and gave verbal commands for Reed to get out of the truck,” according to the GBI. However, Reed drove the truck towards the law enforcement officers. Multiple deputies and a trooper fired at Reed, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

GBI
The early-morning scene Friday on Highway 301 North near Clito Road where law enforcement officers fatally shot a suspect who tried to ram them with a truck he was driving.

The GBI was called to the site and will be the lead agency conducting the investigation into the incident.

Highway 301 North between Clito Road and Old River Road North was shut down for the night and into Friday morning to allow investigators to access the scene.

The man’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler for an autopsy. 

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Community invited to 'A Night at the Art Museum' at SEB Middle
Free event set for 6 p.m. Saturday to feature art, music and food
SEB Middle Art

Bulloch County Schools' Teacher of the Year, art teacher Heather Gonzales, is hosting a free “Night at the Art Museum” to showcase Southeast Bulloch Middle School's fine arts students and faculty.

The gala is set for Saturday from 6-8 p.m., at the SEB Middle School, which is adjacent to the high school on Brooklet-Denmark Road. According to a release, the public is invited to event along with student families and faculty.

An inaugural event for the school, Gonzales said she has planned a “red-carpet experience.”

"It's a time to celebrate creativity, talent and our community," Gonzales said.

Heather Gonzales
Heather Gonzales

The Brooklet Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the event, which will feature live performances by SEB Middle’s symphonic band and chorus, a gallery of visual artwork by students, fine arts awards, plus food and refreshments.

The school's own faculty band, “STING,” will give a public performance, as well.

In the visual arts gallery, there is a "compliment an artist” station where event guests are asked to share positive comments about works of the student artists.

Event schedule:

  • 6 p.m. – Doors open. Take part in red carpet photos. Roam the visual arts gallery. Enjoy food and refreshments. Visit the "compliment an artist" station 
  • 6:30 p.m. – SEBMS Chorus performance
  • 7-7:30 p.m. – SEBMS Band performs while guests continue to enjoy the gallery
  • 7:30 p.m. – “STING” performance
7:45 -8 p.m. – Fine Arts Awards & Dessert
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