An APD officer was shot and killed in an apparent robbery
An off-duty Atlanta police detective is killed in a bizarre situation in Douglas County. Authorities say he was shot while trying to break into a house.
In brief: An off-duty Atlanta officer was killed during a break-in; The homeowner fired in self-defense. The shooting happened early Friday at Andrews Country Club. Detective Aubrey Horton, the officer, lived nearby; He may have had a mental health issue or drug influence. APD and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are investigating; Horton has served in APD’s Fugitive Unit since 2015.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — An Atlanta police officer was shot and killed outside a Douglas County home on Oct. 4 during an apparent early morning break-in attempt, investigators said. The officer was identified as Detective Aubrey Horton, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
The incident happened at about 5 a.m. Friday at a home on Orkney Road near E. Carroll Road in the St. Andrews Country Club neighbourhood.
Douglas County Sheriff Tim Bounds said deputies responded to a burglary call at the scene of the shooting.
“In the attempted burglary, we learned that someone attempted to enter the residence,” the sheriff explained. “Once inside, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual. At this time, the individual died.”
An APD officer is killed during a robbery in Douglas County
Deputies say an off-duty Atlanta police detective was shot and killed outside a Douglas County home while trying to break into the home. Atlanta Police confirm that the investigator is Aubrey Horton. He has been with the department since November 2015. The fatal shooting happened on Orkney Road in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood early Friday morning.
According to deputies, after Detective Horton entered the home, the homeowner opened fire, killing him. Investigators are treating the incident as an act of self-defense.
Neighbors were shocked by the deadly shooting.
“I’ve lived here for five years, and I can promise you this is not something you expect to see here,” resident Milton Johnston said.
Authorities revealed that Horton also lived in the neighborhood, about a half-mile from the scene, and may have been experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of drugs.
Douglas County investigators are combing the scene of the fatal shooting of an Atlanta police officer believed to have broken into a home on Orkney Road in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood on Oct. 4, 2024. (FOX 5)
“We believe the thief lived in the neighborhood,” Sheriff Bounds added. “This is an active investigation, and there are many details we are still working to uncover.”
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed in a statement that Horton, who has been with the department since November 2015 and was recently assigned to the fugitive unit, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
“We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what happened as they continue to investigate,” the statement read.
Detective Horton was honored as “Officer of the Year” at the “Crime is Toast” breakfast a few days ago, on September 24th.
Detective Aubrey Horton (Atlanta Police Department)
This story is evolving. Check back for details. If you have additional information, photos or video, email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.
source:
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
