Police outline arrests, drone program and short‑term rental complaints; council asks for more enforcement details
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Summary
Police said the father suspected in a shooting of a 3‑year‑old was arrested and charged; the department plans a first‑responder drone program and said it is investigating Airbnb/party‑house complaints on Ben Hill Road and other addresses. Council members pressed for follow‑up and cross‑departmental work on park safety.
The East Point Police Department updated the council July 14 on investigations, short‑term rental complaints and new equipment plans and asked for interdepartmental coordination on safety at proposed parks.
Lieutenant William Bullard, filling in for an ill police chief, told the council the father of a 3‑year‑old child shot earlier this year was taken into custody Friday and charged with manslaughter and related counts. Bullard reported investigators have possible suspects in a larger auto‑entering incident at Lakeside Preserve and are coordinating with Atlanta investigators.
The department said it will move forward with a first‑responder drone program (budget approved) to improve scene assessment and investigation capabilities. Bullard also said a squatter’s‑process protocol will be added to the city’s power bill information, with publication expected in July or August.
Short‑term rental and party‑house concerns
Council members pressed police about repeated loud‑party complaints and alleged Airbnb listings at specific addresses on Ben Hill Road, Hilton and other streets. Bullard said the department has issued citations and is coordinating with code enforcement; owners or operators responsible for nonpermitted whole‑house short‑term rentals would face citations under the city’s short‑term rental ordinance.
One council member said she had provided identifying information on a suspected party house and asked police for follow‑up; Bullard said investigators were trying to locate online listings and determine whether the uses were advertised as whole‑house rentals or were private gatherings.
Park safety and pocket park concerns
Council members raised safety and lighting concerns about a proposed pocket park adjacent to a Microsoft data center site, asking police to coordinate with Public Works and East Point Power on lighting, cameras and traffic calming. Bullard said the department is expanding park‑and‑recreation patrol capacity (a dedicated parks officer is on duty and additional staffing is planned) and would review lighting and camera suggestions.
Ending
Council members asked for follow‑up on the specific addresses, enforcement steps taken, and a written update to the mayor and council; Bullard said staff would report back.
