Charges dismissed against Hapeville murder suspect who shot, killed man in self-defense

HAPEVILLE, Ga. — In April, a Hapeville man shot and killed a 39-year-old armed robbery suspect in self-defense after he and a second suspect cornered the victim in his apartment’s parking garage, police said.

Now, Channel 2 Action News has learned a Fulton County Judge has dismissed all charges against a murder suspect accused in a deadly shootout in an apartment complex parking deck.

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That was the voice of an attempted armed robbery victim who told Hapeville Police that he was the intended target when he was forced shoot and kill the suspect as he was walking to his Mercedes at the Atlantic Aerotropolis on South Fulton Avenue in April.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, but the suspect’s passenger Alton Coleman was arrested and charged with murder. Earlier this week, a Fulton County Judge threw out the charges against him and ordered him released from jail.

Coleman’s defense attorney, Brian Tevis, sent Channel 2 Action News reporter Michael Seiden a statement. It reads:

“Hapeville PD is to be commended for reacting extremely quickly to ensure the safety of their citizens. But when Mr. Coleman got his day in court, we were able to show that Alton did not have a gun, and despite earlier reports, he was not wearing a mask. He ran after being shot at, and he was not identified in a lineup. We followed the evidence, which demonstrated he was innocent, and the Judge agreed - which is why she dismissed all charges.”

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