VALDOSTA — Officers’ quick response to a report of subjects shooting resulted in one arrest and the seizure of an AK-style pistol.

About 9 p.m. April 3, Valdosta police officers responded to the 400 block of South Fry Street after several residents called E911 about hearing gunshots. One of the callers stated that subjects were shooting at each other in the parking lot of the convenience store, police said in a press release. When officers arrived, they observed a vehicle quickly leaving the parking lot.  

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle that was observed leaving the store. While they were talking with the driver, officers saw an AK-style pistol inside the vehicle, the VPD statement said.  

As officers were at the store investigating the incident, they found numerous rifle shell casings, which matched the caliber of the firearm officers removed from the vehicle. They also found a surveillance video of the car’s driver holding the gun and firing it.  

Preston John Burns, 25, was arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail.  He is being held on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (felony) and reckless conduct (misdemeanor). 

The case is still under investigation to determine the other parties involved in the incident.

“Evidence collected at the scene shows two different rifles were shot. This store is busy and located right near a community center. We are fortunate that no one was injured,” said Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please 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.