Four juveniles were arrested Saturday evening after police say they opened fire on an occupied apartment building at the Trees of Avalon complex in McDonough. Bullets hit the building and several vehicles, and the group then barricaded themselves inside a nearby unit, triggering a high-intensity response from law enforcement.
What police say
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, which cited the McDonough Police Department, the incident began around 6:20 p.m. Saturday. Three boys and a girl were reportedly seen walking toward the apartment building carrying firearms before opening fire. Investigators say the four then ran into a different apartment and refused to come out when officers arrived.
Police ultimately took all four juveniles into custody. Each faces charges of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property, according to the same report.
SWAT response
The Henry County Sheriff's Office lists tactical SWAT and field support among its available operations, including a mobile command post and other specialized resources that can assist local police agencies. Those Henry County Sheriff's Office assets were available to McDonough officers as they managed the barricade situation at the complex.
Charges and legal note
FOX 5 Atlanta reports that authorities have not released the suspects' identities or ages, citing their status as juveniles, but confirmed they were charged with aggravated assault and criminal damage to property.
Under Georgia law, aggravated assault is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21, while criminal damage to property in the first degree is covered by O.C.G.A. § 16-7-22. Both statutes carry significant penalties if the charges are ultimately proven in court.
Because the suspects are minors, prosecutors will decide whether to keep the case in juvenile court or seek to move it into the adult system under state transfer rules outlined in O.C.G.A. Title 15, Juvenile Code.
