Man in custody after SWAT situation in Forsyth County

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. - An Alpharetta man was taken in custody Tuesday afternoon following an hours-long standoff with SWAT officers.

Forsyth County deputies responded to a 911 call of a burglary in progress at a residence in the Whittington Townhomes Community in the 1000 block of Prestwych Court just after 9 a.m. A 911 dispatcher heard shots fired during that call. The 42-year-old man reportedly fired off more shots from inside the residence when they arrived.

Investigators initially said the man told first responders he was being held against his will.

“He mentioned that this townhome had some guns in it and he was being held against his will,” Forsyth County Sheriff's Office's Cpl. Doug Rainwater told FOX 5 News.

The sheriff's office called in the SWAT team. They tried to negotiate with the man using a cell phone. The power was cut to the building a little before 1 p.m.

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman said that shots had been fired in the home both before and after deputies arrived on the scene.

According to family members, the unidentified man was acting erratically the night before.

Neighbor Tony Hinton told FOX 5 News the situation was very unusual for the area.

"We been out here for seven years and we’ve never seen anything like this,” he said.

Deputies tried to force him out with tear gas. They eventually moved in and took him into custody.

“Just minutes ago, you probably heard the noise, Forsyth County SWAT team assisted by the North Fulton SWAT team made an explosive entry into the room this gentleman was in. We, unfortunately, had to insert one of our K-9 units in. There was a bit, although it was minor. There are no life-threatening injuries, actually very minor injuries to the suspect. He has been taken into custody. He is being treated by EMS at this time. And will shortly be transported to a local hospital just for evaluation,” said Sheriff Freeman.

Some of the neighborhood was evacuated during the incident. School buses were rerouted around the area.

Deputies charged the man with aggravated assault, reckless conduct and discharging a firearm. His name has not yet been released by deputies.