- Timely Family Intervention: The family’s alert to authorities regarding the individual’s mental state and threats was crucial in preventing a potential incident.
- Rapid Law Enforcement Response: Police in Cartersville and Atlanta coordinated to apprehend the suspect swiftly after being notified, demonstrating effective inter-agency communication.
- Weapon Discovery: An AR-15 assault rifle with ammunition was located in the suspect’s vehicle outside the airport, indicating a serious threat.
- Felon in Possession of Firearm: The suspect, a convicted felon, was allegedly found with a firearm, raising questions about weapon acquisition that are now part of an ongoing investigation.
A 49-year-old man was apprehended at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on a Monday morning after his family alerted authorities to his concerning behavior. The family informed Cartersville, Georgia police that the individual, Billy Joe Cagle, was exhibiting “mental challenges,” had made threats to “shoot up” the airport during a social media stream, and was in possession of an assault rifle.
Cartersville police promptly notified Atlanta law enforcement about the potential threat. Approximately 11 minutes prior to this notification, Cagle had arrived at the airport and entered the south terminal. Within 14 minutes of receiving the alert, Atlanta police successfully took Cagle into custody near a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. He was unarmed at the time of his arrest.
Subsequently, a search of Cagle’s Chevrolet flatbed truck, parked outside the airport, revealed an AR-15 assault rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. A dog found in the vehicle was safely returned to Cagle’s family.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum indicated that a potential tragedy was averted, expressing belief that Cagle intended to retrieve the weapon and use it within the crowded terminal. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed that Cagle is a convicted felon, and an investigation is underway to determine how he acquired the firearm. Cagle faces charges including terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon.