Originally posted 11:14 a.m. Dec. 11, 2023

Updated 5:18 p.m. Dec. 11, 2023

VALDOSTA — Police said on Facebook Monday they found a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run Saturday that killed a Valdosta High School football player.

At about 6:15 p.m., Samuel Johnson, 16, of Valdosta was walking in the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road when he tried to help an injured dog hit by an unknown car; Johnson was then struck and killed by a second vehicle, a Valdosta Police Department statement said. The car that hit Johnson did not stop, police said.

Another person stopped when she saw a dead dog, and while checking on the animal she saw Johnson lying in the grass with a second injured dog. She called E911, and police, firefighters and EMTs responded, but the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation showed that the offending vehicle was a dark-colored Dodge Charger with a model year between 2011-2014, and police asked for the public’s help to find it. It was last seen traveling in the area of Inner Perimeter Road and North Forrest Street Extension.

“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. If you know something, please say something. Our officers and detectives will not stop until they hold this offender accountable,” said Police Chief Leslie Manahan in asking for the public’s help.

Late Monday the VPD announced on its Facebook page that the car had been found but offered no details.

Anyone with information about this case should contact 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.