Atlanta officer arrested in Locust Grove home invasion

ATLANTA - An Atlanta police officer has been charged in connection with a Locust Grove home invasion last month. 

On November 28, Locust Grove police were called to a home on Draba Lane. Upon arrival, police said the front door was open and the door casing had been shattered into pieces. 

A person inside the home told police a loud bang was heard, followed by the door bell ringing repeatedly. That's when, according to a police report, someone kicked at the door four times and busted it open. 

The victim told investigators a man in an Atlanta police uniform then came into the foyer of the home with his hand on his gun. A second person inside the home called 911 and that's when the suspect ran away. 

The suspect was identified as Phillip Barresi, an officer with the Atlanta Police Department. He was arrested later that day.

Barresi told investigators he went to the Draba Lane home in search of his ex-girlfriend. He told detectives that she had broken into his home first.

Barresi, who joined the police force last year, said he accidentally kicked the door open when he arrived and regrets his actions. 

According to the Atlanta Police Department, Officer Barresi has been placed on paid administrative leave. Police said he has no previous disciplinary complaints. 

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