Acworth bar security guard killed after reportedly protecting woman
Saddle Bar in Acworth. FOX 5 Atlanta photo
ACWORTH, Ga. - A man faces murder charges after shooting and killing someone at a recently opened bar in Acworth, according to police. Officers with the Acworth Police Department were called to the Saddle Bar on Cowan Road around 2:42 a.m. on March 7 after receiving reports of a person who had been shot.
What we know:
Police said officers arrived within minutes and found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers provided emergency aid until crews from the Cobb County Fire Department and Metro EMS arrived at the scene. The victim was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to authorities.
The bar posted a statement on its Instagram page saying the man killed worked security at the bar. The management team said the man stepped in after seeing another man assault a woman. The bar's statement said the guard was able to protect the woman and de-escalate the argument; however, he was then shot in the back a short time later.
Authorities identified the suspect as Daniel Di Vonne Parsons, 25, of Douglasville. Police said Parsons was found walking near the area on Baker Road shortly after the shooting and was taken into custody without incident.
Parsons is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and felony murder. He was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond.
What they're saying:
"Our entire Saddlebar team is grieving the loss of a brave individual who put himself in harm’s way to protect someone else. His courage and selflessness will not be forgotten," the bar's statement read. "Violence of this nature is heartbreaking and unacceptable in Acworth and Cobb County, and we understand the concern this incident brings to our patrons and neighbors."
What we don't know:
Police said the victim’s identity has not yet been released while authorities work to notify family members.
Dig deeper:
Saddle Bar, which is located on Cowan Road near Interstate 75, is a new establishment in Acworth. The country-western bar celebrated its grand opening on Feb. 20. It features live music, line music, and late-night DJs. During the day, it is open for dining.
The bar will remain closed through the weekend, managers said. Saddle Bar will also be making a donation to support his family during this incredibly difficult time. Neither police nor the bar have identified the victim.