A decorated Atlanta police officer was shot and killed by his neighbor during a bizarre robbery incident.
Aubree Horton, 32, was discovered shot in the body when officers responded to a call of an attempted robbery on October 4.
Horton had been an investigator with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015 and most recently joined the Fugitive Unit.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that Horton appeared to be experiencing a “mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics” at the time of the incident when he was found at his neighbor’s home.
Aubree Horton, 32, was found shot in the body at his neighbor’s home after allegedly trying to break into the property.
‘This individual managed to enter the residence and was confronted by the owner.
‘The homeowner, acting in self-defense, shot this person inside his residence. The shot was fatal and the individual died at the scene,’ the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Authorities also discovered that the officer used lived a short distance from where the shooting took place in the 8000 block of Orkney Way, near the St. Andrews Golf Club.
It’s unclear why Horton tried to break into his neighbor’s home.
Authorities discovered the officer was alive a short distance from where the shooting took place in the 8000 block of Orkney Way, near the St. Andrews Golf Club. In the photo: the house where the incident occurred.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that Horton appeared to be experiencing a “mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics” at the time of the incident.
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed in a statement that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened.
“We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what occurred as they investigate the incident,” officials said. fox news.
Since news of his death emerged, friends and acquaintances of Horton have taken to social media to remember the young police officer.
Cindy Todd, the mother of one of her friends, took to Facebook to share a long tribute about Horton.
Days before his death, Horton had been awarded ‘Investigator of the Year’ at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony.
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed in a statement that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened.
“You’re going to hear a lot in the news and comments about this young man that portray him in a negative light, but my son knew him well and I think Zack is a good judge of character,” he wrote.
‘They played football together at UWG, where they met and became brothers, forging a forever friendship.
‘Together at a career fair, they both committed to careers in policing and accepted offers from APD, where they worked together for a few years. Their children are close in age, so they have shared good times together as parents.
‘Clay Horton was Zack’s best man and he was ALWAYS respectful, thoughtful and fun!
‘He was a kind soul who felt too much and sometimes got lost in his emotions, but he loved everyone and was committed to his friends and family, especially his little boy. Rest in peace in the arms of Jesus, Clay!’
It’s still unclear why Horton tried to break into his neighbor’s home.
Days before his death, Horton had been awarded the “Investigator of the Year” award at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony.
He was recognized for his work in connection with the 2023 disappearance and death of a Gwinnett County man.
In a video presentation during the awards ceremony, the investigator said: ‘I felt the family deserved justice.
“That’s what I like to do now in police work: bringing people like Leondre’s family to have their day in court and face justice.”