Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Killed by Homeowner After Breaking into Neighbor's House

An off-duty Atlanta police officer was shot and killed by a homeowner after he allegedly broke into a house in his own neighborhood in Douglas County, Georgia.

An off-duty officer with the Atlanta Police Department was shot and killed by one of his neighbors after he allegedly broke into a house near St. Andrews Golf Club in Douglas County, Georgia, early Friday morning, officials said.

The officer, identified as Aubree Horton, had been with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015 and was most recently with the Fugitive Unit, the department told Fox News Digital. Horton was also just honored with an Investigator of the Year award late last month, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Killed by Homeowner After Breaking into Neighbor's House

"We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to learn more about what occurred as they investigate the incident," the department said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

Surveillance video showed Horton appeared to be experiencing a "mental health episode or (was) under the influence of narcotics," FOX 5 reported.

Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Killed by Homeowner After Breaking into Neighbor's House

"When he gained entrance, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual," Capt. Jon Mauney of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office told reporters, according to FOX 5.

Horton lived just a few streets away from the house he allegedly broke into, the station reported.

Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Killed by Homeowner After Breaking into Neighbor's House

Neighbors were shocked. Horton was shot and killed after the homeowner opened fire in self-defense. (FOX 5)

"It’s right here in your neighborhood and a golfing community and a place where you really think this would never happen," one neighbor told FOX 5.

Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Killed by Homeowner After Breaking into Neighbor's House

Investigators don’t yet know why Horton broke into the home.

The incident is under investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

* Horton was a 23-year-old African American male.

* He had been with the Atlanta Police Department for seven years.

* He was a member of the Fugitive Unit.

* He was honored with the Investigator of the Year Award in January 2023.

* He lived in the same neighborhood as the house he allegedly broke into.

* The homeowner who shot Horton has not been identified.

* The investigation is ongoing.