Family of suspect in thwarted Atlanta airport shooting gave key info to help avert tragedy, police say

Atlanta police on Tuesday praised the family of the man accused of planning to shoot up the world's busiest airport, saying their detailed information — down to the length of his sleeves — was crucial in helping prevent tragedy

Atlanta police on Tuesday praised the family of the man accused of planning to shoot up the world's busiest airport, saying their detailed information — down to the length of his sleeves — was crucial in helping prevent tragedy.

Billy Cagle, 49, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday after his family reported him to police in Cartersville, Georgia, fearing he could open fire at the airport about 55 miles away.

Atlanta Police Sgt. Tywana Jones said she was on the line with Cartersville police and Cagle's family, realizing time was of the essence.

"I was internally panicking, like, 'Oh, hurry up, let's get this information out as you're getting it, Tywana. Don't write it down, just give it out right now so the officers can hear what you're hearing,'" Jones told reporters Tuesday.

"And that's exactly what I did. My heart was beating fast," she said. "I'm like, 'OK, I haven't heard any gunshots, anything go off.'"