Off-duty Atlanta police officer shot, killed while breaking into Douglas County home, deputies say

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga - An Atlanta police officer was shot and killed outside a Douglas County home Oct. 4 during an apparent early morning break-in attempt, investigators say. The officer has been identified as Investigator Aubree Horton, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. Friday at a home on Orkney Way near E. Carroll Road in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood.

Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds said deputies responded to a burglary call at the scene of the shooting. 

"On an attempted burglary, we understand that an individual attempted to gain entry into the residence," the sheriff explained. "Once inside, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual. At this time, the individual is deceased."

According to deputies, after Investigator Horton entered the home, the homeowner opened fire, fatally shooting him. Investigators are treating the incident as an act of self-defense.

Neighbors were shocked by the deadly shooting.

"I've lived here for five years, and I can promise you, this isn't something you expect to see here," said resident Milton Johnston.

Authorities revealed that Horton also lived in the neighborhood, about a half-mile from the scene, and may have been experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.

"We believe the burglar lived in the neighborhood," Sheriff Pounds added. "This is an active investigation, and there are many details we're still working to uncover."

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed in a statement that Horton, who had been with the department since November 2015 and was most recently assigned to the Fugitive Unit, was off-duty at the time of the incident.

"We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to learn more about what occurred as they continue to investigate," the statement read.

Investigator Horton was honored as "Officer of the Year" at the "Crime is Toast" breakfast just days earlier, on Sept. 24.

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.