Honestly, waking up to news of another violent incident in our backyard is never easy. If you've been refreshing your feed for updates on the dekalb county shooting today, you aren't alone. It's been a heavy week for the area, and keeping track of what's actually confirmed versus what’s just neighborhood chatter is getting harder by the hour.
Today, January 18, 2026, the focus has shifted from active gunfire to the grim reality of the aftermath and long-awaited arrests. While there isn't a "new" mass casualty event happening this Sunday morning, the community is reeling from a series of high-profile updates regarding recent violence that has left residents looking over their shoulders.
The Arrest of Marquel Heard and the Search for Two More
The biggest news involving a DeKalb County shooting today isn't about a fresh trigger pull, but rather a major break in a case that has haunted the community since last September. Authorities confirmed that 33-year-old Marquel Heard was finally apprehended in Birmingham, Alabama.
He’s the guy police say is responsible for the death of 36-year-old Ana Scott.
If you don't recall the details, they're pretty gut-wrenching. Scott was a local woman who rushed home to the 3700 block of Citation Drive after her doorbell camera alerted her to a burglary in progress. When she pulled up, the suspects didn't run; they opened fire on her car. She died later at the hospital.
While Heard is now in custody facing murder charges, the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is still hunting for two other suspects. They've released some of the clearest surveillance footage yet, hoping someone recognizes the faces behind the crime. Basically, if you live near Citation Drive or have any leads, the Homicide Assault Unit is waiting for your call at (770) 724-7850.
✨ Don't miss: Texas Flash Floods: What Really Happens When a Summer Camp Underwater Becomes the Story
Breaking Down Recent Violence in the Area
It feels like a lot, doesn't it? Just a few days ago, on January 15, things got incredibly tense at the Walmart on Chamblee Tucker Road.
That incident ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), 29-year-old Travis Damonte Harris was confronted by officers for allegedly shoplifting.
It escalated fast.
Harris reportedly fought the officers and fired a shot during the struggle. He then fled across the street to an apartment complex called The Oliver. When officers caught up to him, they say he wouldn't drop the gun and moved toward them. They fired, and he died at the scene.
You’ve probably seen the police tape if you frequent that area. It was the 73rd officer-involved shooting the GBI had to investigate in the span of a year, which is a staggering number when you actually sit and think about it.
🔗 Read more: Teamsters Union Jimmy Hoffa: What Most People Get Wrong
Other Incidents Keeping DeKalb on Edge
- Clifton Springs Manor: Early on January 13, police found a man in his 30s shot dead. No suspects have been named yet.
- Baynes Hill Circle: Another shooting left a victim with serious injuries near Memorial Drive earlier this week.
- The Shaowei Zhou Case: While not a "shooting" in the traditional sense of an active scene today, police just confirmed on January 17 that they found the body of 68-year-old Shaowei Zhou, who had been missing since December. Two people are in custody for what's being treated as a homicide.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
Experts often point to a mix of factors when we see these clusters of violence. It’s rarely just one thing. Nuance matters here. Some community advocates argue that the rise in property crimes—like the burglary that led to Ana Scott’s death—is tied to economic shifts in North Georgia. Others look at the sheer volume of firearms in circulation.
Whatever the root cause, the "vibe" in DeKalb right now is one of cautious frustration. People are tired.
Residents like Allen Jordan, who spoke to local media following the Walmart shooting, aren't necessarily "scared" to go outside, but they are demanding better communication from the DKPD. When a shooting happens, the lack of real-time info leaves a vacuum that social media fills with rumors. That’s why verifying facts through the GBI or official police releases is so vital.
Staying Safe and Taking Action
So, what do you actually do with all this? It’s easy to feel helpless when reading about a dekalb county shooting today or any other day.
First off, if you’re in a neighborhood where these incidents are clustering, like south DeKalb or the Chamblee corridor, check your home security systems. Doorbell cameras were the only reason we got images of the suspects in the Ana Scott case.
💡 You might also like: Statesville NC Record and Landmark Obituaries: Finding What You Need
Secondly, use the tools available. The DKPD has a "Tip411" app. You can text "DKPD" to 847411 to send anonymous info.
Lastly, pay attention to local leadership. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the District Attorney’s office are under increasing pressure to address these spikes in violent crime. It’s not just about the arrests; it’s about the prosecution and the prevention programs that stop a shoplifting call from turning into a shootout in an apartment parking lot.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in high-traffic retail areas. If you recognize the suspects from the Citation Drive surveillance footage, don't try to be a hero—call the authorities. Keeping the community safe is a collective lift, and right now, DeKalb needs everyone pulling in the same direction.
Next Steps for Residents:
- Download the Tip411 app or save the DKPD Homicide Unit number: (770) 724-7850.
- Review your own home surveillance footage if you live near recent crime scenes; even minor details can help.
- Attend upcoming DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meetings to voice concerns regarding public safety resources and police communication.