Hostage rescued, suspect killed during SWAT standoff at Cobb County apartments

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Police said a hostage was rescued and the suspect has been killed during a SWAT standoff at a Cobb County apartment complex.

Officers were called to the Concord Crossing apartments off South Cobb Drive in Smyrna around 9:45 a.m. Monday in reference to an armed man possibly firing shots.

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When officers arrived, they said they spotted the armed man on the balcony of the apartment throwing things, and a second man with his wrists bound. When the suspect spotted officers, police said he went back into the apartment and pulled the man inside with him.

At some point during the standoff, police said a SWAT officer shot and killed the suspect.

“I think the two weapons officers did see were a knife and a handgun in his possession or in his hands,” said Sergeant Wayne Delk with the Cobb County Police Department.

Police say there is no indication he ever fired a weapon at police.

The hostage was rescued and taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Police said the man had several severe injuries when he was rescued. He was alert and conscious when he was rushed to the hospital.

Police described the man’s injuries as severe but he was alert and conscious.

Investigators have not commented on the connection between the suspect and the man being held hostage.

Neighbors told Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach that the suspect was a veteran suffering mental health problems and a father whose 8-year-old son used to live in the apartment with him, but does not anymore.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation.

Police said the area will be shut down for “a while” to residents of the apartments.

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