Man arrested for shooting at animal control officer who was rescuing dog he chained to tree, police say

Written by: E. George

Published September 13, 2024 @ 4:10 PM ET

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities arrested an armed and dangerous felon on August 22, 2024, following an incident on July 21 in which he shot at an officer.

Javaries Atwater allegedly discharged a firearm multiple times at a Fulton County Animal Control officer as they tried to rescue a pit bull that Atwater had chained to a tree.

Several agencies collaborated in apprehending him. Members of Atlanta Police’s APEX Unit, SWAT team, task force, and Zone 4 FIT executed a search warrant at 3200 Cushman Circle SW and observed him walking through the apartment building complex and into an apartment.

Atwater exited the building and peacefully surrendered without incident. This case is pending.