A 16-year-old boy from Clayton County who was once described as “armed and dangerous” is now in custody after his father turned him in, authorities said.
Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen announced Tuesday that Lequan Stephens is in custody following an investigation that began after a shooting in Lovejoy earlier this month. According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Lovejoy police responded Saturday, Jan. 17, to a reported shooting in the 2500 block of Lovejoy Crossing Lane.
When officers arrived, they found a juvenile suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and neck. The victim was sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. Investigators said the suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the victim, before fleeing the scene.
Lovejoy police detectives later identified Stephens as the shooter and obtained aggravated assault warrants for his arrest. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also secured warrants for Stephens in connection with a separate shooting in the 1300 block of Misty Ridge Court.
Authorities said multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts, executing operations at several homes linked to Stephens’ relatives and acquaintances. Investigators emphasized that Stephens would not be able to hide or receive assistance.
On Tuesday, Stephens was turned over to the Clayton County Police Department by his father, according to the sheriff’s office.
Before his arrest, the sheriff’s office activated its Fugitive Squad and warned the public not to approach Stephens, urging anyone who saw him to call 911.
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