Man Shot By Police During Hostage Situation In DeKalb County

LITHONIA, GA — A man was shot by police early Saturday, ending an hours-long standoff in a DeKalb County home, according to authorities.

DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos said officers received a call around 3:30 a.m. that a person was being held against their will inside a home on Cragstone Court in Lithonia.

When officers arrived, Ramos said they learned a man was holding a woman hostage inside the home. Officers tried negotiating with the man but were unsuccessful, Ramos said.

A SWAT team was called in around 5:30 a.m., Ramos said. During this time, police said the woman was able to safely leave the home but the man remained inside.

According to Ramos, SWAT officers entered the home after obtaining a search and arrest warrant and located the man. Police said the man then pointed a gun at an officer, who fired several rounds, striking the man.

Ramos said the man was taken to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police did not confirm the relationship between the people inside the home. Police did say a teenager inside the home placed the initial 911 call.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation into the shooting. The officer who fired the shots has been placed on administrative during the investigation.