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Sheriff's office responds to possible hostage situation in south Forsyth
Swat vehicle.jpg

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is on the scene of SWAT team situation at a townhome subdivision in south Forsyth. 

According to Cpl. Doug Rainwater, a sheriff's office spokesman, at about 9 a.m. Tuesday they received 911 calls from a male subject who stated that he "was being held against his will" in an apartment off Prestwyck Court in the Whittington Subdivision in south Forsyth. 

Rainwater said that they responded within minutes to the address with SWAT, a hostage negotiation team, and other specialized units, and in the hours since they have been able to confirm that the man, a 42-year-old county resident, is alone in the condo and is armed.

He said they have confirmed that a semi-automatic handgun was fired in the townhome several times prior to their arrival, and with the use of a camera mounted robot they were able to confirm that the man is alone in the apartment. 

Rainwater said that the man is refusing to use several cell phones that were given to him and is still refusing to come out of the residence. He said they have deployed tear gas in the townhome and are still determining whether SWAT will make entry into the building. 

They are still determining what sparked the situation, but Rainwater said they have not ruled out drug and alcohol intoxication or mental impairment. 

Warrants for aggravated assault with a handgun have been issued for the man for firing the handgun in the townhome. No injuries have yet been reported. 

Rainwater added that the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is being assisted with mutual-aid by North Fulton SWAT.

Traffic in the immediate area is being routed around the incident location. 

This story will be updated.