Off-Duty Atlanta Police Investigator Fatally Shot During Attempted Break-In  

An off-duty Atlanta police investigator was fatally shot by a homeowner during an attempted break-in early Friday morning in Douglas County, Georgia. Authorities have released video footage and additional details regarding the incident, which occurred around 5:08 a.m. on Orkney Way in Winston, a community just west of metro Atlanta.

The deceased, identified as Aubree Horton, 32, was a veteran officer with the Atlanta Police Department’s fugitive unit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported he had been recently honored as “Investigator of the Year” at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Crime is Toast ceremony. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Horton was reportedly experiencing a “mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics” when he attempted to enter the residence.

Video footage released by the sheriff’s office shows Horton, shirtless and shoeless, running toward the home’s front door while shouting “Jesus” and “Help me.” He then attempts to force the door open by slamming into it multiple times, at one point shouting, “No, kill me.” Horton later sits on the steps, taking deep breaths with his hands on his face as the homeowner, who had been in bed, tries to communicate with him.

The homeowner’s wife, who had just left for work, was alerted to the situation by notifications from their Ring doorbell camera and called 911 after witnessing Horton’s behavior. The sheriff’s office detailed that the homeowner, concerned for his safety and that of his wife—whom he believed could still be at the residence—armed himself and approached the front door.

“The homeowner attempted to determine what was happening and asked Horton if he could help,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. However, when the homeowner slightly opened the door to better communicate with the distressed man, Horton forcibly rushed inside, knocking him to the ground. 

“Fearing for his life and in defense of his home, the homeowner discharged a single round from his firearm, fatally wounding Horton inside his home,” the statement continued.

The homeowner and Horton were strangers to each other, and the sheriff’s office confirmed that there was no domestic disturbance involving Horton leading up to the incident. The residence had been the target of a previous burglary in 2021, which prompted the homeowner to enhance security measures, including installing cameras and reinforcing doors.

A Douglas County patrol officer who lived nearby and was about to leave for work responded to the scene after hearing the commotion. When sheriff’s investigators arrived, they initially struggled to identify Horton due to his lack of identification and disheveled appearance. His identity was later confirmed using a portable fingerprint scanner, and it was discovered that he lived within walking distance of the home.

The investigation is ongoing, with toxicology reports and other evidence still pending. The sheriff’s office noted that it could take months for the toxicology results to be completed. Video footage released from the incident has been partially redacted, with segments, including the sound of the fatal shot, held back until the case is closed.

While authorities continue to gather evidence, the sheriff’s office indicated that charges against the homeowner are unlikely. 

“After reviewing the available facts, we do not believe charges will be filed against the homeowner,” the sheriff’s office stated, emphasizing that the shooting appeared to be an act of self-defense under the circumstances.

The video is sad to watch as the off-duty officer is obviously suffering a tragic mental breakdown of some kind and left the homeowner with little choice even as he sought to help the man out. Both the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Atlanta Police Department extended their condolences to Horton’s family and colleagues, describing the situation as a “tragic and unusual event.”