What started as a robbery of a DeKalb County Waffle House ended in a deadly standoff Sunday morning, police said.

Two people tried to rob the restaurant near the intersection of Evans Mill and Mall roads, DeKalb County police spokeswoman Shiera Campbell said.

Police tracked the suspects to a convenience store at Snapfinger Woods Drive and Shellbark Road, where gunfire erupted, Campbell said.

At least one of the suspects and police exchanged gunfire before 27-year-old Dustin Charles Fant was discovered dead. At this time, police don’t know whether Fant died of a self-inflicted wound, Campbell said.

The GBI was on the scene.

Demarques Williams, 21, faces one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer, GBI officials said on Monday.

In other news:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Carden Wyckoff speaks to media members during a press conference outside Five Points station on Thursday, June 25, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com