Police Catch Suspect After Deadly Shootings Using Cameras, Tech

Brookhaven and DeKalb authorities credit license plate readers and security cameras for quick arrest.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.Surveillance technology and interagency cooperation help police quickly apprehend a suspect in a series of deadly shootings.Brookhaven Today

Brookhaven and DeKalb County police say a suspect has been arrested in connection with three overnight shootings, including one that left a homeless person dead. Authorities credit a combination of license plate readers, security cameras, and interagency cooperation for quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect just hours after the incidents.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing role of surveillance technology and data-sharing between law enforcement agencies in solving crimes, especially in urban areas. However, it also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of these tools, particularly when targeting vulnerable populations like the homeless.

The details

Police said at least one of the three shootings was a random attack on a homeless person sleeping outside a Kroger store in Brookhaven. The other two shootings occurred several hours apart in unincorporated DeKalb County, though it's unclear if the victims knew the assailant. Authorities credited a Flock license plate reader system and security cameras connected to a local homeowners association for quickly identifying the suspect's vehicle and movements, leading to an arrest just hours after the incidents.

  • The shootings occurred overnight on April 13, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested just hours after the incidents.

The players

Brandon Gurley

Brookhaven Police Chief who credited the city's investments in technology and interagency partnerships for the quick arrest.

Flock

A license plate reader system that helped authorities track the suspect's vehicle and movements.

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What’s next

Authorities say they are still investigating the motive behind the shootings and whether the suspect knew any of the victims.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the growing reliance on surveillance technology and data-sharing among law enforcement to solve crimes, but also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse, especially when targeting vulnerable populations.