Man arrested after firing gun inside Newnan Dunkin' Donuts restroom

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Law enforcement seen swarming a Dunkin' Donuts in Newnan on June 19, 2026. (SKYFOX 5)

NEWNAN, Ga. - A barricaded gunman who fired a weapon at officers through a restroom wall was safely captured after a massive law enforcement response at a Newnan Dunkin' Donuts, authorities said Friday. 

What we know:

The Newnan Police Department responded to Dunkin' Donuts at 1010 Bullsboro Drive at approximately 5:28 p.m. regarding a man with a stolen vehicle. 

Officers learned that Artavius Deonte Watts, 39, of Grovetown, Georgia, had walked into the business. Employees managed to safely exit the building before law enforcement arrived.

Officers were informed that Watts was armed with a handgun and had barricaded himself inside a restroom. 

The Newnan Police Department Special Response Team, Coweta County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, and Coweta 911 Drone Team all converged on the property. After extensive efforts to negotiate with Watts proved unsuccessful, tactical teams entered the business to arrest him.

Watts then fired a gun from inside the restroom, sending bullets through a wall in the direction of the officers. Law enforcement teams entered the restroom and safely caught Watts.

What's next:

Watts was transported to a local hospital to be treated for cuts and abrasions. Authorities noted that Watts caused damage to the restroom, resulting in his injuries before he ever made contact with officers. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Upon medical clearance, Watts will be transported to the Coweta County Jail. He will be charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime, and additional pending charges.

What they're saying:

Newnan Police Chief Brent Blankenship commended the highly coordinated response from the emergency agencies involved in resolving the threat.

"This incident is an outstanding example of teamwork and professionalism," Blankenship said. "Thank you to the Newnan Police Department officers, the Special Response Team, the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Coweta 911 Drone Team, Newnan Fire Department, and Coweta County EMS for their dedication and exceptional work in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe resolution."

What we don't know:

Authorities have not confirmed what specific additional charges Watts will face as the active investigation continues. Police did not specify what type of handgun was recovered or how much damage was caused to the business during the standoff.