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BUTTS COUNTY, GA — A late-night home invasion on April 14 ended without injury after a local father used his firearm to stop an aggressive intruder from entering his family’s home. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. and has sparked renewed discussion on the importance of firearms training and responsible gun ownership in the community.

The homeowner, Justin Couch, was inside with his wife, Allison, and their three young children when one of his sons heard a noise at his bedroom window. Upon investigating, Couch discovered a man breaking the window and attempting to enter the room. He later identified the suspect as a neighbor they had never spoken to.

After the intruder initially fled from the child’s window, Couch retrieved his handgun. Moments later, the suspect broke a second window—this time in the living room—and began to climb inside. Couch confronted the man and fired a single shot, missing the suspect but effectively stopping the break-in.

“The guy was in my house—one leg in. Everything was in my house,” Couch told 13WMAZ. “I just fired one shot.”

According to the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, later identified as Abdul Aquil, was shouting threats, including, “I’m gonna kill you,” as he tried to enter the home. Deputies arrived within minutes, locating Aquil in a nearby cul-de-sac. A physical altercation ensued during the arrest, requiring multiple deputies and the use of a Taser to subdue the suspect.

Aquil was taken into custody and booked into the Butts County Jail. He now faces multiple charges, including:

• Burglary
• Home Invasion
• Terroristic Threats
• Three counts of Cruelty to Children (1st Degree)
• Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree)
• Obstruction of Law Enforcement

Authorities confirmed that Aquil is currently on probation for similar offenses.

Sheriff Gary Long publicly commended Couch’s actions, stating, “If Justin had not had a firearm—had he not fired that weapon—I can assure you, if somebody was not murdered in that house, it would have been very close to it.”

The sheriff’s office had hosted a Citizen’s Firearm Safety Course just one day prior to the incident. Sheriff Long noted that many participants were unclear on when it is lawful to use a firearm in self-defense. In response, the department plans to increase firearm education opportunities, including monthly safety classes and advanced scenario-based training.

This incident underscores the value of understanding when and how to use a firearm in a life-threatening situation. In this case, quick thinking, proper use of a legally-owned firearm, and knowledge of the law helped a father protect his family from an immediate and violent threat.

When confronting a threat inside your home, it’s critical to act swiftly but responsibly. Knowing how to handle your firearm safely and understanding your state’s use-of-force laws can mean the difference between successfully defending your family and facing unintended consequences. Regular training, including scenario-based practice, can help build the confidence and skill necessary for real-world situations.