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Barricade over at Clayton County motel
Man arrested during barricade situation at Clayton County motel Thursday morning
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Police have released details about what led to a SWAT team being called to a Clayton County motel early Thursday morning.
Police say the incident began around 3:30 a.m. Two officers were at the vacant Hotel Magnolia on Old Dixie Highway to investigate a complaint about suspicious activity.
While they were there, they heard two gunshots and observed a man running into a room at the American Inn & Suites next door. The motel is right off Interstate 75 near Tara Boulevard and Upper Riverdale Road.
A little while later, a man, woman and baby exited the room. However, the man refused to admit that he was the person who fired the shots.
Kendrick Thomas
SWAT was called in, and the room was cleared about an hour and a half later. The man, who has been identified as 39-year-old Kendrick Thomas, was arrested and is being charged with reckless conduct and obstruction.
During a search of the room, police discovered a gun and shell casings, 6 dogs, 2 snakes and 1 turtle. One dog ran away before Clayton County Animal Control was able to pick up the animals. Thomas is also being charged with cruelty to children and cruelty to animals.
Initially, the Clayton County Police Department asked citizens to stay away from the motel and evacuated surrounding rooms.