Armed Suspect Barricades Himself Inside Newnan Dunkin’, Fires Shot at Officers Before Arrest
NEWNAN, Ga. — A man armed with a handgun barricaded himself inside a Dunkin’ restaurant Friday evening and fired a shot toward law enforcement officers before being taken into custody following a lengthy standoff, authorities said.
Officers with the Newnan Police Department responded at approximately 5:28 p.m. on June 19, 2026, to the Dunkin’ located at 1010 Bullsboro Drive after receiving reports that a man in possession of a stolen vehicle had entered the business.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Artavius Deonte Watts of Grovetown, had entered the restaurant and barricaded himself inside a restroom while armed with a handgun.
Employees safely evacuated the building before officers arrived.
The Newnan Police Department Special Response Team (SRT) was activated and responded to the scene. Additional assistance was provided by the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Coweta 911 Drone Team.
Authorities spent an extended period attempting to negotiate with Watts and persuade him to surrender peacefully. When those efforts proved unsuccessful, members of the Newnan Police Department SRT and Georgia State Patrol SWAT team entered the business to take him into custody.
According to investigators, Watts fired a handgun from inside the restroom, shooting through a wall in the direction of officers as tactical teams moved in.
Officers then entered the restroom and successfully apprehended Watts without further gunfire.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Investigators said Watts sustained cuts and abrasions before officers made contact with him. Authorities believe the injuries occurred while he was damaging the restroom during the standoff.
Watts was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Upon his release, he is expected to be booked into the Coweta County Jail.
He faces charges of Aggravated Assault and Discharging a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Newnan Police Chief Brent Blankenship praised the coordinated response among multiple agencies that helped bring the dangerous situation to a peaceful conclusion.
“This incident is an outstanding example of teamwork and professionalism,” Blankenship said. “Thank you to the Newnan Police Department officers, the Special Response Team, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Coweta 911 Drone Team, Newnan Fire Department, and Coweta County EMS for their dedication and exceptional work in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe resolution.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
