ATLANTA — Residents in a quiet Sandy Springs neighborhood were shaken after discovering unexpected visitors on their properties – individuals with weapons in hand, claiming to be on a nighttime hunting expedition.
Heather Oliver, a concerned neighbor, recounted the frightening experience when she encountered trespassers through her property cameras.
"It just happened so quickly. It was terrifying," Oliver said.
On Tuesday night, Oliver and her neighbors were alarmed to find at least five people with weapons, including one carrying a crossbow, encroaching on their properties. The situation unfolded near Oliver's home, where a gate and a "No Trespassing" sign failed to deter the apparent hunters.
"One of the parties came up on our parking pad, claiming they were here to humanely harvest a deer they had just shot in the neighborhood," Oliver said.
Despite the presence of a gate and clear signage, the individuals insisted they had permission to be there. However, Oliver clarified that neither she nor her neighbors had granted such permission.
In an exclusive photo shared with 11Alive, the suspects' faces are blurred, but their intentions are evident. The image captured just after 8 p.m. displayed one person carrying a crossbow.
"That was just totally alarming. And we still didn't know if that was true," Oliver said.
According to the Sandy Springs Police Department, hunting is allowed in residential areas, but hunters must obtain explicit permission from the property owner. Moreover, hunting within 50 yards of any road is deemed illegal.
Concerned for the safety of her community, Oliver emphasized the potential danger posed by these unauthorized hunters.
"The neighbor beside them has young children that play in the backyard. They're ten feet from where they shot the deer. They have a baiting station on their property," Oliver said.
Worried about a possible return of the intruders, Oliver highlighted the vulnerability of residents and pets, urging a change in hunting laws to prevent similar incidents.
"I was just out walking my dogs in the evening. In the dark. You know, it could have been me. It could have been my dogs. It could have been the children," she said.
The Sandy Springs Police Department confirmed that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now investigating the incident for potential criminal trespassing charges.