Get notified by email when this case is updated.
The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.
Name:
Watts, Artavius Deontae
Date of Booking:
06/20/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHEN ENG
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTES
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 06/19/26 at approximately 1728 hrs I was dispatched to 1010 Bullsboro Dr at Dunkin Donuts for a report of an armed subject. 911 stated that the caller made a report with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office earlier today about [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stealing his vehicle and firearm. 911 stated that the caller found him at Dunkin Donuts.
I arrived on scene with DS Lee and DS McCusker. As we approached the front door of Dunkin Donuts a black male dressed in a blue hoodie and black pants pointed inside the business and said he’s inside and then went inside. Before we could reach the front door the same male ran outside and stated he’s got the gun out. I drew my service weapon and saw the front door move and then heard the door being locked.
I backed off and advised 911 that he had locked the door and is armed. I had 911 hold the radio and asked for additional units. I held the front door and instructed incoming units on the situation. I directed other units to get to the back of the store to cover the rear exit. DS Lee and McCusker evacuated the attached businesses. I held the front of the store until other units arrived and could take my position.
I went and spoke to one of the employees of Dunkin Donuts and asked if anyone else was in the store. He stated no, the only person in store was the male with the firearm. [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. I went to the back of the store and met with Ofc. Kouns. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] holding the back of the store. I went back to the front and held inside the gas station attached to Dunkin Donuts. [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. I stayed inside the gas station until Newnan PD SWAT team took over.
[SECTION REDACTED BY AGENCY]
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
7/10/26
COMMITMENT HEARING HELD — BOND HEARING ONLY
What this means: A commitment hearing was held on July 10, 2026, in Coweta County Superior Court before a judge pro tempore. This type of hearing is used to determine whether there is enough evidence to hold a defendant and to address bond. The case was continued to July 31, 2026. Artavius Deontae Watts is presumed innocent of all charges.
7/16/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 8 COUNTS FILED AGAINST ARTAVIUS DEONTAE WATTS
What this means: A Coweta County grand jury formally indicted Artavius Deontae Watts on July 16, 2026, under Docket No. 2026R907 during the March 2026 Term, July 2026 Session. The case is prosecuted by the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office under DA John Herbert Cranford, Jr. An indictment means a grand jury reviewed the evidence and found probable cause to formally charge Watts. He is presumed innocent of all charges. The eight counts are as follows:
Count 1 — Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer (O.C.G.A. 16-5-21): Watts is accused of committing an aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer.
Count 2 — Aggravated Harming of a Public Safety Animal or Search and Rescue Animal (O.C.G.A. 16-11-107(d)): Watts is accused of harming an animal used in public safety or search and rescue operations.
Count 3 — Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. 16-5-21): Watts is accused of a separate aggravated assault charge.
Count 4 — Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-7-23): Watts is accused of intentionally damaging another person’s property.
Count 5 — Discharge of Gun Near Highway or Street (O.C.G.A. 16-11-103): Watts is accused of firing a weapon in proximity to a public road.
Count 6 — Discharge of Firearm on Property of Another (O.C.G.A. 16-11-104): Watts is accused of discharging a firearm on someone else’s property without authorization.
Count 7 — Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (O.C.G.A. 16-11-131(b)): Watts is accused of possessing a firearm despite having a prior felony conviction, which is prohibited under Georgia law.
Count 8 — Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony (O.C.G.A. 16-11-106): Watts is accused of carrying a firearm while allegedly committing a felony offense.
11/5/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR 11/5/26 IN COWETA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: An arraignment has been scheduled for November 5, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Coweta County Superior Court. An arraignment is a formal court appearance where Artavius Deontae Watts will be called before a judge to enter a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest — in response to the eight-count indictment. This is a standard next step following an indictment.