Bystander shoots armed man threatening Gainesville paramedics, police say

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Police say knife-wielding man was shot by a neighbor after he threatened medics in a Gainesville neighborhood Monday morning. That man has since been charged.

Gainesville police say that around 7:30 a.m., officers got a call about a man carrying knives, damaging cars, and threatening people on Shades Valley Lane.

Before they could get there, one resident took matters into his own hands when the man allegedly tussled with medics, who were in the area tending to another person.

"It was about four shots," said John Morea, who awoke to the incident. "Somebody outside popped him, and that was it."

Police say Darrion Suave Fraley was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he is expected to recover. The neighbor who reportedly opened fire and a second person were also hurt, investigators said.

The 34-year-old man’s family members told FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo that he had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and Monday morning’s incident was the result of an imbalance in his medication.

"When you’re up at 7 o’clock, and all of a sudden you hear gunshots, and you’re in this neighborhood, that doesn’t make sense," Morea said.

(Gainesville Police Department)

Investigators have not released the identity of the armed neighbor.

Fraley was charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, two counts of obstruction of an EMT, possession of a gun during the commission of a crime, possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, and aggravated assault. He was still in the hospital as of late Monday afternoon.

"They’re very brave for doing that. It takes a lot to take that on yourself," said Carmella Neal, who lives near the scene. "I’m thankful they did it for the safety of others."

Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has a crisis hotline to help people who are experiencing mental health crises. The number is 800-715-4225 and is available statewide 24/7.