Atlanta Police Department issues inclement weather advisory as investigators announce arrest in January homicide case
Public-safety messaging amid winter conditions
The Atlanta Police Department issued an inclement weather advisory on Sunday, Jan. 25, urging residents to avoid travel when possible and to use emergency and non-emergency lines appropriately as the city monitored deteriorating conditions. The department reiterated that residents should call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergency needs.
The advisory came as the department’s public information channels also highlighted several recent investigative updates and incident summaries released during the same week, reflecting how routine police operations continue alongside weather-related public-safety messaging.
Arrest warrants obtained in Homicide #6 at 520 Emily Place NW
On Thursday, Jan. 22, Atlanta homicide investigators secured arrest warrants for Prentiss Mayo (born April 1986) in connection with the city’s sixth homicide of 2026, tied to a shooting reported at 520 Emily Place NW. Police said Mayo was taken into custody by Zone 1 officers and transported to the Grady detention facility, with plans for transfer to the Fulton County Jail following release from Grady.
Police identified the expected charges as murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The department also stated that Mayo has three prior Georgia criminal cycles involving narcotics and DUI allegations, and that an active probation-violation warrant related to a DUI charge was listed out of the Carrollton Police Department.
Timeline and what investigators have said so far
Police reported that officers responded to the Emily Place address around 2 a.m. on Jan. 22 after receiving a call about a person shot. At the scene, officers found an adult male with a gunshot wound. Atlanta Fire Rescue pronounced the victim dead, and officers detained a possible suspect at the scene. The suspect was transported to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters for an interview with homicide investigators.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner is expected to determine the manner of death through an autopsy. Police described the information released to date as preliminary and said it could change as the investigation continues.
Additional public-facing notices during the same period
Police published a brief weather-focused reminder on Jan. 25 emphasizing road safety and the distinction between emergency (911) and non-emergency (311) calls.
The department’s public updates also included an incident summary categorized as an aggravated assault reported late on Jan. 23 at 192 Hemphill School Road NW.
Police noted operational support to Morris Brown College regarding what was described as suspicious calls on Jan. 22.
Police said the homicide investigation remains active and ongoing, and emphasized that early details may be revised as new information is developed.
What to watch next
Key next steps in the Emily Place case include the medical examiner’s findings and initial court proceedings tied to the arrest warrants. Separately, as winter weather affects road conditions, city agencies typically stress reduced travel, prudent use of emergency services, and situational awareness for residents across Atlanta.