It was supposed to be a regular night out during the holiday rush. People were just trying to catch a movie at the NCG Theater on Powder Springs Street. Then, the shots started.
If you’ve been looking for updates on a Cobb County shooting today, you’re probably seeing a mix of old headlines and fresh police reports. Let’s set the record straight: the big news today, January 16, 2026, isn't about a new active shooter. It's actually about a major break in the case involving that terrifying night back on December 23.
A 16-year-old boy is now in custody. He turned himself in to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center late Thursday, and the news just hit the wires this morning.
The arrest and the charges
Honestly, it’s a bit of a relief for locals who have been wondering why the trail went cold. Marietta police had been working this since the bullets flew two days before Christmas. They finally secured a warrant on Wednesday afternoon.
The teen is being charged as an adult with felony aggravated assault with a weapon.
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Even though he's a minor, the severity of firing at least six rounds into a crowded public space changed the legal math. Police say the bullets didn't hit any people, luckily. But they did shred through the front of the theater building and a parked car. You've probably seen the photos of the boarded-up glass panels if you frequent that part of Powder Springs Street.
What actually happened that night?
It was just after 10 p.m.
Panic.
The 911 calls were chaotic, with dispatchers getting conflicting reports about how many people were down. Officers from both Marietta PD and the Cobb County Police Department swarmed the area. They had to evacuate the entire building, theater by theater, while checking for victims.
Six rounds.
That's what investigators eventually recovered.
The motive? Still a complete mystery.
Police still haven't said if this kid was aiming for someone specific or if it was just random violence. They also have no idea how a 16-year-old got his hands on the handgun.
Why people are still worried in Cobb County
You might be seeing reports of other "shootings" popping up in your feed today. The metro area has been heavy with activity. Just yesterday, the GBI was called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Atlanta, and there was a separate fatal shooting on Bent Creek Way.
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It makes the Cobb County shooting today keyword trend because everyone is on edge. People hear sirens near the Cumberland Mall or the Battery and immediately think the worst.
But for the NCG Theater incident, here is the current status:
- The suspect is currently held at the Cobb County Youth Detention Center.
- No name has been released due to his age, despite the adult charges.
- A preliminary hearing date hasn't been set yet.
It’s also worth mentioning that two Cobb County officers were recently in the news for unrelated criminal charges, including child cruelty. It’s been a rough week for the department’s PR, to put it mildly.
Public safety and the "Next Step" for residents
If you live in Marietta or the surrounding Cobb area, the "all clear" on this specific case is good news. However, the rise in car break-ins targeting unsecured firearms—specifically in the Rockford Township and Lee's Crossing neighborhoods—is likely how some of these kids are getting weapons.
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Basically, the police are begging people to stop leaving guns in their gloveboxes. It’s a direct line from a "minor" theft to a movie theater shooting.
To stay safe and informed, keep an eye on the Marietta Police Department’s official Facebook page or the GBI press release site. They usually post there before the local news stations even get a camera crew on site. If you have any info on where that teen got the gun, you can still call the tip line at 770-794-5300.
Stay vigilant, keep your doors locked, and maybe check the local warming centers if you're out late—the temperatures in North Georgia are dropping fast this weekend.
Practical Steps for Cobb Residents:
- Secure Your Firearms: If you carry, never leave your weapon in a vehicle overnight. Most "street guns" in Cobb are stolen from unlocked cars.
- Monitor the Case: Follow the Cobb County District Attorney’s office for updates on the teen’s trial status.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Use the "Swift911" or similar county alert systems to get real-time info on active scenes.