UPDATE: (9/26/2025)
1:18 p.m.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the man shot and killed outside S.L. Mason Elementary on Thursday. In a release, they said 25-year-old Tychicus Armondo Deshazer was shot after a Valdosta Police Department officer heard gunshots and noticed Deshazer running onto the campus with a gun.
The GBI says the school was placed on lockdown, and when officers confronted Deshazer as he was approaching the front of the school, they shot him. GBI says officers performed life-saving measures, but he died on scene.
They say he shot at multiple cars in the pickup line, hitting one car, but no injuries were reported.
The GBI says they'll do an independent investigation, and once complete, it will be given to the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
On Thursday, both Valdosta City Schools and the Valdosta Police Department said no students or faculty were hurt during the incident.
11:45 a.m.
Valdosta City Schools released a video message following Thursday's incident at S.L. Mason Elementary. In it, they reaffirm the district's commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. They say families who need additional support are encouraged to reach out to the Valdosta City Schools Social Services Department or to their school counselor.
WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfu1b5yyaHEUPDATE:
Valdosta police officers shot and killed a man they say was approaching the entrance to S. L. Mason Elementary school with a gun Thursday.
VPD says an officer heard gunshots near Lamar Street Thursday afternoon and saw the man "entering the campus." They say the school immediately went on lockdown.
Officers fired their guns at the man, hitting him. They tried to save his life, but he died on scene.
No students or staff were harmed.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
The Lowndes County coroner arrived at the scene shortly after 3:30 p.m. He says the suspect had multiple gunshot wounds.
The body will be transported to the GBI medical examiner's office for an autopsy, and the bureau is taking the lead on the investigation.
Neither VPD nor the coroner identified the deceased suspect or the officers involved.
The GBI will share more information as it becomes available.
EARLIER:
The Valdosta Police Department is currently at S.L. Mason Elementary School after an incident in a surrounding neighborhood ended up on campus.
A spokesperson for the school district, Jennifer Steedley, says that a suspect involved in the incident ran onto campus and was wounded. They say the school is an active crime scene, and they're on lockdown out of an abundance of caution.
VPD says all students and staff are accounted for.
Steedley says all bus riders have already been loaded and safely taken from campus. She says students who remain on campus are inside the building with adults and are safe.
Valdosta PD is assisting with a safe and orderly process to release car riders to their families.
No information has been given regarding the details of the incident, and the department says more details will be shared as they become available.
WTXL has a crew on scene:
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This is a developing story.
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