The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department released video and dispelled social media rumors about an off-duty Atlanta Police investigator fatally shot during an alleged home invasion.
According to the incident report, decorated APD investigator Aubree Horton, 39, attempted to gain entry into a home in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood just after 5 a.m. on Oct. 4.
According to the report, Horton allegedly forced his way into the home and was fatally shot by the homeowner in self-defense.
According to a report from Fox 5, Sheriff Tim Pounds said early investigation indicates Horton may have been “experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident.” Horton was carrying no identification and shoes or shirt. A toxicology report is pending and could take several months to complete.
Pounds said the homeowner’s wife had left for work and began receiving Ring doorbell notices of a break-in and called 911. Pounds said he was confident that no charges will be filed against the homeowner.
The sheriff also dispelled rumors circulating on social media that Horton and the homeowner knew each other, that it was a domestic disturbance, and that the homeowner was a fellow officer. “These rumors are categorically false,” Pounds said.
Horton joined the APD in 2015 and was assigned to the fugitive unit. Last month, he was honored as Officer of the Year at the annual “Crime is Toast” breakfast.
APD said in a statement that the department is “working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what occurred as they investigate the incident.”
