Crime
Suspected Burglar Killed in Shootout at Smyrna Gun Store
Two Smyrna police officers were injured during the shootout but are expected to survive.
A suspected burglar was fatally shot during a shootout with Smyrna and Cobb County police officers at Adventure Outdoors, a gun store on South Cobb Drive.
According to Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc, multiple 911 calls were received around midnight reporting a burglary at the store and shots fired nearby. When officers arrived, they were met with gunfire from the suspect inside the store. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the suspect’s death.
Two Smyrna police officers were injured during the shootout but are expected to survive. A SWAT team was deployed to secure the store and ensure there were no other individuals inside.
The motive behind the burglary remains under investigation. The suspect’s identity has not been released, and his body will be sent to the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to review the use of force by the officers involved, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
Adventure Outdoors is known as the world’s largest gun store.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.