Dog Shot Too, In Gwinnett Weekend SWAT Standoff, Suicide

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — More details have been released by the Gwinnett County Police Department that now include a dog shooting prior to a SWAT standoff and suicide that occurred Saturday. A man shot and killed himself during a police chase Saturday after Gwinnett County Police say he shot a woman twice, once in the chest and once in the arm, as well as his own yellow lab.

Lance Walburn, the deceased shooter, and Crystal Bell, who was shot twice, were neighbors, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department. Bell’s injuries are not considered life-threatening. Her current condition is unknown.

They lived a few houses away from one another. Late Friday night into Saturday morning, Walburn was at Bell’s home, along with several others, drinking and hanging out. Bell offered to walk Walburn home, about one minute walking distance. Bell told the responding officers that Walburn began to attack her as he was making entry into his home. She fought back. Walburn grabbed a firearm and shot Bell as she was fleeing. According to the initial police report, Walburn also shot his female yellow lab.

Walburn armed himself as patrol officers and members of the SWAT Team arrived.

At around 7:35 a.m., the Walburn committed suicide. His motivations for attacking his neighbor and then shooting her are unknown.

Walburn’s dog was taken for treatment at a local vet. The veterinary hospital where the dog is being treated has been in contact with Walburn’s family members about the care of the animal.

For more details, see the Patch article over the weekend.

Click here to access the report in this case.

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