On July 8, 2016, shortly after 8 a.m., a Valdosta Police Department Officer responded to a non-emergency call at the Three Oaks Apartments, located at 3833 North Oak Street Extension, in Valdosta, for a report of damage to a vehicle and a possible theft.
 
Officer Randall Hancock, a 10-year VPD veteran, arrived on-scene, and shortly after arriving, was shot multiple times by an Asian male in the parking lot. The officer then returned fire and radioed for emergency assistance, resulting in other Valdosta Police Officers and officers from multiple agencies responding to assist.
 
Both Officer Hancock and the male offender were transported to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment. Officer Hancock underwent surgery and is in stable condition. The male offender is also in stable condition and has been transported to a hospital in Florida.
 
Following VPD policy and accreditation standards, Chief Brian Childress contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shortly after the incident to conduct an independent investigation of the entire incident, to include the initial call and the officer-involved shooting. Currently, agents with the GBI are working the incident scene and reviewing the VPD Officer’s body camera and all other evidence. The VPD is fully cooperating with the investigation.
 
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the other members of the Valdosta Police Department, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Echols County Sheriff’s Office, Remerton Police Department, Valdosta State University Police Department, South Georgia Medical Center, South Georgia Emergency Medical Services, Moody Air Force Base Leadership, Valdosta Fire Department, Valdosta Police Chaplains, Valdosta Rotary Club, and members of the Valdosta Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Valdosta Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference who either responded or called to check on our officer,” stated VPD Chief Brian Childress.
 
City Manager Larry Hanson stated at today’s press conference, “It is important at times like this that we encourage peace and calm and that we find strength in our faith. It is often said that a law enforcement officer leaves for work each day not knowing if he or she will return home safely to his or her family. Incidents like this bring realization to the danger police professionals face each and every day while carrying out their duties to serve and protect.  
 
Both Valdosta officials shared their appreciation for the community’s concern and support that has been received today, as well as the great care and compassion that Officer Hancock and his family have received today from SGMC and its talented medical professionals.
 
“We are grateful to our police chaplains and others in the faith community for the support they have shown,” said City Manager Hanson. “We ask every citizen to be in prayer for this officer and his family and to be in prayer for all and for our country at this time.”
 
Any further requests for information regarding the incident and the investigation should be directed to the GBI at 229-225-4090.