VALDOSTA, Ga. — Police in south Georgia have put out a call for the public's help in trying to find the driver who hit and killed a 16-year-old over the weekend who was helping an injured dog.
According to a post by the Valdosta Police Department, 16-year-old Samuel Johnson Jr. was walking along Inner Perimeter Road when he saw a dog that had been hit.
"While trying to rescue the injured dog, Johnson was struck and killed by second vehicle traveling through the area," Valdosta Police said. "The vehicle that struck Johnson did not stop."
When another driver stopped to check on a second dog that had been hit, she saw Johnson and the first dog in the grass median and called 911.
"Valdosta Police Officers, Valdosta Fire Fighters, and Emergency Medical Services responded, but the teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene," the Facebook post said.
So far, police say they have recovered a black Dodge Charger that they believe was involved in the hit-and-run, but have not yet located the driver.
“It is unexplainable the callousness and disregard for human life that this offender has shown, by hitting this teenage victim and leaving him. My heart breaks for the family and friends of Mr. Johnson, who deserve answers as to why this happened to their loved one," Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan said. " If you know something, please say something. Our officers and detectives will not stop until they hold this offender accountable.”
Anyone who might have information on the case is asked to call the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145 or file a tip at the department's website at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.
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