The City of Vidalia, Georgia Police Department

08/31/2026

VPD trying out a new patrol car… thoughts?

08/18/2026

🚨 **WE’RE HIRING!** 🚨

POLICE SERGEANT

Starting Salary: $52,145.60
- Regular annual merit increases
- 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off
- 457 Plan & Roth option
- Dental, Vision & Health Insurance
- Paid Holidays – 11 per year

**Annual Education Incentives:**
• Associate’s Degree – $1,000
• Bachelor’s Degree – $2,000
• Master’s Degree – $3,000

**Minimum Qualifications Include:**
• High school diploma/GED with required law enforcement experience or equivalent training/experience
• Possession of a valid Georgia driver’s license
• Possession of a law enforcement certification in Georgia issued by Peace Officers Standard and Training Council (POST)
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Additional qualifications as outlined in the position announcement

Email application or resume to:
[email protected]

08/12/2026

GBI Investigates Fatal Shooting in Vidalia, GA

UPDATE – August 12, 2026:
The GBI has arrested and charged Joel Anton-Jamaal Brown, age 25, of Savannah, GA, with Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and False Statements and Writings in connection with the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin on July 4, 2026.

At the time of his arrest, Brown was in custody at the Chatham County Jail on unrelated charges.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Vidalia, GA (July 6, 2026) - The GBI is investigating the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin, age 36, of Atlanta, GA, following a shooting in Vidalia, GA. The Vidalia Police Department requested the GBI to investigate.

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 3:13 a.m., Vidalia Police Department officers were dispatched to a shots-fired call in the 500 block of East Jenkins St. in Vidalia, Toombs County, GA. When officers arrived, they discovered Lumpkin in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. Lumpkin was taken to an area hospital by EMS, where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the Vidalia Police Department at 912-537-4123. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

If you have information on any of the cases or fugitives presented on this web site, you wish to report Suspicious Activity, or you would like to report a threat to school safety or homeland security, you may contact the GBI by submitting the form below.All submissions will be kept confidential. We....

08/10/2026

The Vidalia Police Department has received an increase in reports of vehicle break-ins across our community. We want every resident to stay alert and take a few simple steps to protect your property.

• Lock your vehicle doors, every time
• Remove valuables and keep them out of sight
• Secure your garage doors
• Lock your home doors, day and night

A locked door is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent a break-in. Let's look out for one another and keep Vidalia safe. See something suspicious? Report it to the Vidalia Police Department.

07/24/2026

GBI Investigates Deaths in Vidalia, GA

Vidalia, Toombs County, GA (July 24, 2026) – At the request of the Vidalia Police Department (VPD), GBI agents are investigating the deaths of Xzavier Elijah Andrews, age 20, and Za’Mariyah Nicole Robinson, age 17, both of Vidalia, GA.

Preliminary information indicates that at about 6:14 p.m., on Thursday, July 23, 2026, a caller contacted Toombs County 911 to report shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of Easter Drive in Vidalia, GA. When VPD officers arrived at the scene, Xzavier and Za’Mariyah were found inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. Xzavier and Za’Mariyah were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The bodies of Xzavier Elijah Andrews and Za’Mariyah Nicole Robinson will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be conducted.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at (478) 374-6988 . Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

If you have information on any of the cases or fugitives presented on this web site, you wish to report Suspicious Activity, or you would like to report a threat to school safety or homeland security, you may contact the GBI by submitting the form below.All submissions will be kept confidential. We....

07/16/2026

UPDATE:

AMBER Alert is cancelled. Layla has been found safe.

ORIGINAL POST:

Levi's Call (GA’s ) issued for 13 year old Layla Alexis Nubian Carter on behalf of the Baxley Police Department.

Layla was last seen at 174 James Drive in Baxley, GA, with Giavannie Alexis Carter, traveling in a gray Jeep Renegade, GA tag at 1:00 a.m. on 7/16/2026.

Layla has blonde braided hair and was wearing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Carter has black braided hair and was wearing a gray/white tank top and black shorts and a black baseball cap with blue trim. Direction of travel is unknown. Layla is believed to be in extreme danger.

Call 911 or Baxley Police Department at 912-367-8305.

07/13/2026

**Update**

Thank you to the public, for your help. The person of interest has been identified.
______

The Vidalia Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the person pictured below. If you recognize this person or have any information, please contact Investigator Fisher with the Vidalia Police Department:

📞 Call: 912-537-4123
📍 Visit: 302 E 1st St, Vidalia, GA 30474

07/06/2026

Vidalia Police Department’s K9 Crypto has received donation of body armor

Vidalia Police Department, GA - K9 Crypto has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Crypto’s vest was sponsored by the Shidler Family of Nashua, NH and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Catherine Shidler”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the Vidalia Police Department! 🇺🇸

While you celebrate with family and friends, our officers will be on duty keeping our community safe. Have a wonderful holiday, celebrate responsibly, and never hesitate to call if you need us.

07/02/2026

***UPDATE***

Darrin has been found safe. Thank you to the public for your willingness to help.
——————
The Vidalia Police Department needs your help locating Darrin Allen, 23, last seen around 5:00 a.m. today (Wednesday, July 1) at the Parker's in Lyons.

Darrin is approximately 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, and was last seen without a shirt or shoes, wearing red, black, and white pants with gray and black socks. He may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

If you see Darrin, please DO NOT approach him. Call 911 immediately.
Please share this post to help bring Darrin home safely.