HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Officers shot and killed a gunman who walked into a dermatology office and took people hostage, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed with Channel 2 Action News.
Gainesville police said they received a 911 call around 11 a.m. about a hostage situation at Lanier Dermatology off South Enota Drive.
As the officers approached the man, he showed his gun and officers fired shots, according to a Gainesville police spokesman. The gunman was transported to the hospital where he later died.
The GBI identified the suspect as 62-year-old Rodney Hamilton of Dahlonega.
No one inside the office was hurt.
Channel 2's Tom Regan was at the scene as GBI deployed its bomb squad to search the gunman's truck for any rigged explosives.
The #GBI has responded to an officer involved shooting at the request of @COGPolice. We are working to gather details. pic.twitter.com/EjVPifTzd0
— GA Bureau of Invest (@GBI_GA) January 14, 2019
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Bo Bennett, who works at a restaurant nearby, provided Channel 2 Action News video of the shooting's aftermath.
"People were screaming and there were eight to 10 shots fired and then it ceased," Bennett said.
While investigators were still on the scene, patients with scheduled appointments showed up to learn about the gunman's takeover of the clinic.
"I think it’s horrible. I’ve been going to this place for years and years and nothing like this has ever happened," Carol Dodd told Regan.
Patients praised police for their courage and quick action to protect everyone.
The GBI and police have not determined the gunman's motive. His name has not been released.
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