Subject Arrested After Firing Gun In His House

Villa Rica Police were assisted by the Douglas Co. S.O. SERT Team in the arrest of John East, 43 years old, at his home on Neighborhood Walk in Villa Rica. At approximately 11:30 PM on 12-04-11, Villa Rica Police were called after a neighbor heard what sounded like a gunshot at East’s home. The neighbor also reported that East was shooting fireworks from his rear deck.

 East refused to answer the door and speak with police officers. The officers also spoke to East’s girlfriend who reported that East was talking about committing suicide. The officers were unable to make contact with East in person or by phone. Due to the statements about shooting himself and the inability to make contact with East, the Douglas County SET team was contacted for assistance in making entry into the home.

 As the SERT Team was making entry, East came to a window in the house. East finally exited the house and was taken into custody. No one else was found in the house. The investigation showed that East had fired a .357 magnum pistol into the floor of his upstairs bedroom. The round passed through the floor and then exited the side of the house before striking the ground. Officers also found that East was intoxicated.

 East claimed that he accidently fired the weapon and then began shooting fireworks at the rear of his home so the neighbors would not know he had fired the pistol. East denied making the suicide threats. East was charged with Reckless Conduct and Discharging a Firearm While Under the Influence of Alcohol.