Ga. Firefighters Hostage Update: Gunman killed; hostages OK
(CBS/AP) GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - (Updated 8:05 p.m. ET) Authorities say a gunman holding four firefighters in suburban Atlanta has been shot dead by SWAT members and that all the hostages are slightly injured but should be OK.
Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said Wednesday evening that a SWAT officer has been shot in the hand.
Minutes before the police announcement, one big explosion followed by several smaller ones or gunshots were heard in the Suwanee neighborhood about 35 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Police and fire officials say five firefighters responded to what seemed like a routine medical call in Suwanee and were eventually taken hostage by an unidentified suspect inside the house. They say one was let go to move the fire truck.
According to WSB-TV in Atlanta, police said the man called 911 and faked a heart attack to get emergency responders to the home.
Ritter said information on a possible motive was not immediately available and a SWAT team is on the scene as negotiations continue. He gave no more details.
According to public records, the home where the standoff unfolded is in foreclosure and has been bank-owned since mid-November.
Suwanee is about 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.