An Atlanta police officer was shot and killed while attempting to break into a home in Douglas County, Georgia.
Fox 5 reported that Investigator Aubree Horton, 32, of the Atlanta Police Department, was fatally shot during the break-in attempt around 5 a.m. on Friday at a residence in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood on Orkney Way near East Carroll Road.
Law enforcement responded to a burglary call at the location of the shooting, according to Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds.
“An individual attempted to gain entry into the residence during a burglary,” Sheriff Pounds explained. “Once inside, the homeowner acted in self-defense and shot the individual. At this time, the individual is deceased.”
Investigators are treating the incident as self-defense during a burglary attempt.
Horton lived about half a mile from the scene. Investigators believe he may have been experiencing a mental health episode or was possibly under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident.
“We believe the burglar lived in the neighborhood,” Sheriff Pounds added. “This is an active investigation, and we are still working to uncover many details.”
Horton had been with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015 and recently joined the Fugitive Unit, according to the Daily Mail. He had earned the “Investigator of the Year” award just days before the incident, on September 24, at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony.
Horton was also recognized for his role in the investigation of a 2023 disappearance and death of a Gwinnett County man.
A friend’s mother described Horton as “always respectful, considerate, and hilarious,” writing on social media, “He was a kind soul who felt deeply and sometimes became lost in his emotions, but he loved everyone and was committed to his friends and family.”
The investigation remains ongoing. “We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more as they continue to investigate,” a statement read.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image:Aubree Horton/Atlanta PD]
