Father Praised for Heroic Action After Armed Intruder Targets Children’s Bedroom

A Georgia father and military veteran is being hailed as a hero after defending his home and children from an intruder who allegedly broke into their bedroom early Monday morning.

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long credited the father's quick thinking and bravery with preventing a potential tragedy. The suspect, identified as Abdil Aquil, is now in custody and facing a long list of serious charges.

According to investigators, the terrifying incident began when Aquil broke out a window and began crawling into a bedroom where three children were sleeping.

“He broke out the window. He started crawling through the window, and that’s when the kids ran out and got their father,” Sheriff Long said.

Initially unarmed, the father confronted the intruder, prompting Aquil to retreat. But moments later, Aquil smashed through a bay window at the front of the house and began re-entering the home, reportedly making violent threats.

“He was about three-quarters of the way into the house and threatening to kill the father,” Long said. That’s when the father, now armed with his handgun, fired a shot, causing Aquil to fall back through the window. He was not hit by the gunfire.

“The father of that home is a hero,” Sheriff Long said. “In my 28 years in law enforcement, I truly believe we would have had a homicide if not for his actions.”

Deputies quickly arrived and, after a struggle involving a Taser and assistance from three officers, were able to take Aquil into custody.

Neighbor Shelley Cook, who lives across the street, said the incident shook the entire community. “It’s very disturbing. Those kids were put in harm’s way. They don’t even feel safe in their own home,” she said, adding that the youngest child had recently turned 10.

Aquil is now facing a list of charges including:

Sheriff Long also revealed that Aquil had a prior incident in which he attempted to break into another home, but was only given probation at the time.

“Sad, because it sounds like he needed some help that he didn’t get,” Cook said.

In the wake of the incident, Sheriff Long is encouraging residents to be prepared and informed. The Butts County Sheriff’s Office is offering monthly gun safety classes to local citizens.

“An armed community is a safe community,” Long said. “If you are legally allowed to possess a firearm, you should, if nothing else than to protect your home and your family.”