Douglas Homeowner Shoots Atlanta Detective

A Douglas County homeowner shot and killed a decorated off-duty Atlanta police detective as the officer tried to break into his home in the early morning hours Friday.

The shooting happened around 5 a.m. at 8205 Orkney Way, according to sheriff’s investigators. The home is in the St. Andrews community in southwestern Douglas County.

Atlanta Police identified the detective as Aubree Horton. Horton, 32, joined the Atlanta Police Department in November 2015 and was most recently assigned to its fugitive unit.

Security camera video of the shooting shows Horton breaking in through the home’s front door. A statement from the sheriff’s office said Horton appeared to be “experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.”

Once inside, the Horton was confronted by the homeowner.

“The homeowner, acting in self-defense, shot (Horton) inside his residence,” the statement reads. “The shot was fatal and the individual died at the scene.”

Horton lived nearby at 8071 Rannoch Moor Drive, about a half mile away in the same neighborhood, according to the statement. Crime scene tape surrounded both homes Friday afternoon as investigators continued to gather evidence.

“We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what occurred as they investigate the incident,” Atlanta Police said in a statement issued Friday evening.

Just two weeks ago, Horton was recognized by the Atlanta Police Foundation as Detective of the Year at the foundation’s annual Crime is Toast breakfast. The fundraising event draws more than 1,000 business and community leaders to celebrate police successes and recognize top officers.

The theme of that event was officer wellness with a focus on mental health support for officers.