Hours-long standoff in Decatur appears to be over with suspect in custody

DECATUR, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A man who barricaded himself inside a home after a shooting incident Tuesday forcing school officials to lockdown a nearby school has been taken into custody. Atlanta News First crews on the scene saw a man being taken away from the home in handcuffs.

The shooting happened on Vista Brook Drive and that road was closed for several hours.

According to DeKalb County police, officers responded to a person armed and shots fired call Tuesday morning. Police said after 4 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody. Police said the shooting started after the suspect fired shots at construction workers in the area. Police said there were no injuries.

The suspect, who has not been identified, will be charged with four counts of aggravated assault.

The incident prompted SWAT response, shocking residents in the community.

“It is spooky there’s no question about it,” Ellen Albright, a resident, said. “I’m surprised there aren’t more people out here, I saw the flashing lights and came running.”

Decaturish, an Atlanta News First news partner, reports that no one was hit in the shooting.

Witnesses told Decaturish, an Atlanta News First news partner, that the suspect had reportedly complained about the roofers earlier. A worker told Decaturish the suspect got into a vehicle and fired several shots at the roofing crew.

McLendon Elementary School, which is near where the shooting incident happened, was on lockdown, according to the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). Police said there was no immediate threat to the school.

The school district released the following statement to Atlanta News First:

“At approximately 10:20 this morning, the DeKalb County Police Department notified DeKalb County School District Police of reports of someone discharging a weapon in the vicinity of McLendon Elementary School. The individual was reportedly barricaded in a residence near the school. Following district protocols, McLendon Elementary was promptly placed on lockdown. DCSD Police have responded to the school and will remain there until the situation is resolved. Families at the school have been notified.”

DeKalb County police were asking people to avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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