LAVONIA, Ga. — A barricaded subject situation in Lavonia ended Thursday night with the suspect dead following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement, according to the Lavonia Police Department.
The incident began earlier in the day after an alleged assault on a city worker. Lavonia Police Chief Shane Edmisten told WLHR the suspect retreated into an apartment and refused to come out. Authorities believed he was armed, and negotiations were attempted for more than an hour before the situation escalated.
The Georgia State Patrol SWAT team responded and attempted to establish contact with the suspect. During that encounter, gunfire was exchanged, and the suspect was struck.
Officials said medical aid was immediately rendered by SWAT personnel and Franklin County EMS, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary reports indicate no officers were struck by gunfire.
Lavonia City Manager Robert Ogburn previously confirmed the city employee involved in the initial incident was not seriously injured and is expected to be okay.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, and nearby areas were evacuated as a precaution. Road closures were also put in place during the incident.
Authorities say the situation has now been contained and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
