CORDELE — A local man is on his way to face charges for his part in a home invasion near Atlanta over the weekend.

Officials with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Department and Cordele Police Department arrested Jamal Hill on a warrant from College Park.

Hill is accused of participating in a home invasion that ended in the death of his alleged accomplice and injury to a female victim, according to www.wsbtv.com.

Hill and 23-year old Calvin Lavant of College Park allegedly burst into an apartment located in the Southern Lakes apartments on Lakemont Drive in College Park around 3 a.m. Sunday.

The resident of the apartment, Charles Bailey, told police that he thought it was the end of his life. He and ten other people were in his apartment celebrating at a birthday party when two masked gunmen burst through the patio door.

“They just came in and separated the men from the women and demanded wallets and cell phones,” said George Williams of the College Park Police Department.

Bailey further informed authorities that the suspects counted their bullets. Apparently Hill was guarding the men when one of the victims retrieved a gun from a backpack and turned the tables on the situation. Hill reportedly fled the scene.

The victim with the gun then proceeded to the next room where Lavant had watch over the females at the party.

“The guy was apparently was about to rape one of the females,” said Bailey. “The guy with the gun called for the girls to get down and he started shooting. The suspect just jumped out of the window.”

Lavant’s body was found later just outside his apartment building which was near the scene of the crime.

One female student was shot multiple times in the crossfire and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where at last report she was expected to make a full recovery.

Bailey said if not for the quick thinking of that party goer, it is likely that all the victims would have been killed. “I am thankful that one student risked his life for others.”

Hill was held by law enforcement here until he could be picked up by authorities in College Park. He is charged with armed robbery.