Shooting Incident Near 5 Paces Inn in Buckhead

Buckhead, October 12, 2025

News Summary

A shooting occurred late Saturday night near the 5 Paces Inn bar in Buckhead, resulting in the death of 44-year-old Linton Blackwell. An off-duty Atlanta police officer, working security, discharged his weapon after encountering Blackwell, who had been removed from the bar and was suspected to be armed. Witnesses reported multiple gunshots, and despite efforts to assist him, Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation by the GBI and will be reviewed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

Atlanta – A shooting incident took place late Saturday night near the 5 Paces Inn bar in Buckhead, resulting in the death of a 44-year-old Atlanta resident identified as Linton Blackwell. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that the off-duty Atlanta police officer involved in the shooting was performing security duties at the time of the incident.

According to authorities, Blackwell was considered a “disruptive patron” who had been removed from the bar before attempting to re-enter. An officer in the area received information suggesting that Blackwell might be armed, prompting him to take action. Upon locating Blackwell, the officer followed him into a nearby parking lot where Blackwell reportedly entered a vehicle and appeared to place an item into the small of his back.

The officer issued commands concerning the potential firearm, after which he discharged his weapon, striking Blackwell. Witnesses recall hearing multiple gunshots, and despite immediate assistance provided by several officers, Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the shooting, a handgun was recovered, although the ownership of this firearm remains unclear.

The event has escalated to a significant police presence in the area, with officials closing off Cains Hill Place using crime scene tape to conduct their investigation. In total, this incident marks the 60th officer-involved shooting that the GBI has been asked to investigate in Georgia this year.

The case is anticipated to be handed over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, which will evaluate whether the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances. Community members reacted with surprise, with some noting that they had not witnessed a similar occurrence in their three decades of experience working near the location.

Blackwell was known locally as a music artist referred to as B Green. He was also a father of twins and a business owner. The Atlanta Police Department stated that their officers often take on additional security roles in nightlife areas to help maintain safety.

Key Details

• Incident Date: Saturday night, approximately 11:30 p.m.
• Location: 5 Paces Inn bar, Buckhead, Atlanta
• Decedent: Linton Blackwell, 44 years old
• Involved Officer: Off-duty Atlanta police officer providing security
• Investigation: Being conducted by GBI and will be reviewed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office

Background

This incident highlights the prevalence of officer-involved shootings in Georgia, with the GBI actively investigating numerous cases throughout the year. It also reflects the common practice of police officers taking on additional roles in nightlife settings to manage disruptions and maintain public order. Blackwell’s status as a community figure adds another layer of complexity as the investigation unfolds.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• Wikipedia: Police Shooting
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Atlanta police shooting
• 11Alive
• Google Scholar: officer-involved shootings
• CBS 46
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Use of Force
• AJC
• Google News: Buckhead shooting

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.