Expand / Collapse search
☰

Knife-wielding man arrested after barricading self in burning home in unincorporated Duluth

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published  September 14, 2024 9:03pm EDT
Duluth
FOX 5 Atlanta

Armed suspect barricades inside burning home

A man armed with a knife barricaded himself inside a burning home in unincorporated Duluth Saturday night. When he was caught, officials charged him with arson.

DULUTH, Ga. - A knife-wielding man has been arrested and charged after leading a SWAT situation on Gainesway Trace in an unincorporated Duluth neighborhood.

Gwinnett County police said neighbors called 911 just after 6 p.m. on Saturday when they allegedly saw the man carrying a knife coming out of a home that was on fire.

When the authorities arrived, the suspect reportedly barricaded himself inside the home.

Gwinnett County Officer Mark Meyers said the man refused their commands to drop the knife and come outside.

As the smoke and flames grew, the responding officers were forced to retreat while Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services battled the flames.

The fire was eventually contained, but the suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Jonathan Lee, remained in the home without any hostages.

According to Officer Meyers, in addition to the police force and fire team, a K-9, the entire SWAT team, and a clinician from their Behavioral Health Unit have also responded.

Nearby residents were told to evacuate or shelter-in-place.

SWAT situation underway in unincorporated Duluth

The Gwinnett County Police Department and Fire and Emergency Services are at the scene of a SWAT situation in an unincorporated Duluth neighborhood off of Old Norcross Road.

Just after 10 p.m., Lee was arrested and charged with arson in the first degree as well as criminal damage to property in the first degree and obstruction.

Lee was taken to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Anyone with information to share about the incident is asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online.  Crime Stoppers tipsters may receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.