Reports of Armed Man in Tactical Gear Triggers Multi-Agency SWAT Response in Sandy Springs
SANDY SPRINGS, GA — A reports of a man in military-style gear entering a wooded area triggered a massive, multi-agency law enforcement response at a popular local park on Tuesday. Two suspects are in custody following an extensive manhunt that spanned across the Chattahoochee River into neighboring Cobb County.
The suspects have been identified as James Andrew Dutton and Elisha Deaton.
The Incident and Manhunt
Sandy Springs Police officers responded to a suspicious person call on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after a citizen reported a dispute with a male dressed in tactical, military-style gear. The individual subsequently disappeared into a nearby wooded area.
As officers began checking the perimeter, a 911 caller reported hearing gunfire in the immediate area. Out of an abundance of caution, authorities escalated the situation, triggering a large-scale callout for specialized tactical and tracking units.
The initial phase of the search concluded when officers located and arrested Dutton in the parking lot of Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
A second suspect, Deaton, managed to evade the immediate perimeter, prompting a multi-jurisdictional tracking effort. K9 units and tactical teams tracked Deaton across the Chattahoochee River, eventually taking him into custody in Cobb County near Aven Road and Conway Drive.
Charges Filed
While the heavy police presence caused significant local concern, investigators confirmed that no injuries were reported and there are no ongoing threats to the community.
The suspects face the following city ordinance and misdemeanor charges:
- James Andrew Dutton: Two counts of Possession of a Firearm in a City Park, and one count of Possession of Alcohol in a City Park.
- Elisha Deaton: One count of Possession of a Firearm in a City Park, and one count of Possession of Alcohol in a City Park.
No Election Connection
Given the location and high-profile nature of the tactical response, Sandy Springs Police explicitly noted that investigators have found zero evidence connecting the dispute or the suspects to any ongoing voting or election activity.
Detectives are still working to verify whether the reported gunshots originated from the weapons carried by the suspects.
The Sandy Springs Police Department credited a massive roster of supporting agencies for the swift apprehension of both men, including FBI Atlanta, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), North Fulton SWAT, Fulton County Police SWAT, and specialized K9 tracking teams from the Cobb County Police and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
