Breaking News From JEMS - 5 GA Firefighters Taken Hostage

5 Georgia Firefighters Currently Held Hostage

LIVE VIDEO/AUDIO LINKS REMOVED

Press Conference

UPDATE:  0721hrs 11 Apr 2013

Reports are coming out that the incident resulting in five firefighters being held captive, 4 receiving minor injuries, and 1 SWAT operator being shot in the hand or arm was all because the individual with the gun wanted his power and television turned back on.  In the financial crisis this individual had lost their ability to pay for services and the home was foreclosed upon in November (estimates) of 2012, this individual still wanted to be able to utilize those services.  So he devised a plan that would allow him to lure in individuals who he could use as negotiating tools.  

As emergency responders, the ways that people come up with the harm us know is difficult to determine.  From the FIRE PIO last night, the initial call provided no information about the potential use of force, nor did they have any reason to believe that the situation could turn violent.  My thoughts in trying to determine the best way for us to look at this is whether the 9-1-1 system should look at integrating home status in their CAD systems. 

I would like to know what you think.  Would you enter a house that was reported as vacant or foreclosed upon any differently than you would another house that was owned/rented or otherwise legally occupied?  Comment below.  

FINAL UPDATE FOR TONIGHT: 2011hrs 10 April 2013

I am sure that we are going to hear more about this story in the coming hours, days, and weeks.  Early tonight, a man called regarding a feeling of chest pain.  That is when responders from the Gwinnett Co Fire and EMS came to the victims aid.  Only when they arrived they didn't find a man suffering from chest pain, they found a man that was wielding a gun only to hold them hostage.  Firefighters were able to get a notice back to the dispatch center which led to the advanced response involving law enforcement and the special weapons and tactics teams.  The stand-off lead to hours of negotiating between SWAT officers and the hostage taker.  

One firefighter was released and was able to describe the scene to law enforcement officers.  It was reported that the occupancy had been rented, but was recently foreclosed upon.  At this point nobody knows who or what the caused the situation to happen.  

At a point when SWAT felt the hostages were in grave danger they entered the residence forcefully with what has been described as a flashbang type device (AP Report a single large bang) as a distraction.  This resulted in the exchange of gunfire between SWAT officers and the hostage.  As the gunfire ended, one SWAT officer received a gunshot to the hand and has been transported to the hospital for treatment while the hostage taker was killed.  The 4 remaining firefighters received what has been described as superficial injuries and were being evaluated for further care.  

Still no motive has been found for what caused this situation.  Fire PIO Capt Tommy Rutledge stated that from all initial indicators this was to be a routine medical call.  One that their firefighters and EMS personnel had responded to hundreds of times before just this month.  As mentioned at the beginning, this situation will continue to yield new information as investigators look into a cause.  As for now the firefighters are being treated and will go home for another day.  

Take Care and Stay Safe

The Combomedic

twitter.com/dsblev

UPDATE: 1958hrs 10 Apr 2013
AP Reporting that SWAT officer was injured in the exchange of gun fire.  The report states that the SWAT member that was injured was shot in the hand.  Unknown the extent of damage to that officer, but he has been transported for additional medical care.  Additional details state that the firefighters held hostage received slight injuries.

UPDATE: 1949hrs 10 Apr 2013
Hostage taker killed.  WSBTV Report - (AP) is reporting that there was a single large bang followed by several more smaller ones that were described at weapons firing.  It is reported that the hostage taker has been killed.  No word yet on the status of the firefighters.  Looking for more information.  Police officials are reporting that the gunman is confirmed to be dead.

UPDATE: 1936hrs 10 Apr 2013

Minimal news coming from Gwinnett County.  Will continue to monitor and release more when breaking news comes.  

UPDATE: 1931hrs Apr 2013:
It appears that all currently live feeds to the scene are no longer broadcasting.  Again, maintaining operational security and scene integrity.  It hostage taker was watching he/she could watch tactics.  No media helicopters allowed in the airspace over the sight.  SWAT negotiators are still speaking with the hostage taker for a peaceful resolution.

UPDATE: 1928hrs 10 Apr 2013:
It appears that they have removed the Gwinnett County EMS/FIRE dispatch form the broadcastify.  This is typically conducted to maintain integrity of law enforcement operations and to enhance scene safety.

UPDATE: 1922hrs 10 Apr 2013:

Up-to-date News Report - Most up-to date news report from the scene.  Most than 12 reporters from this one station is covering the event and no real movement coming from the hostage taker.  Currently, 4 firefighters from Gwinnett Co Fire/EMS still being held at gun point.  

UPDATE: 1900hrs 10 Apr 2013

Not much more currently coming out of the hostage situation.

UPDATE: 1849hrs 10 Apr 2013

Video from Capt Tommy Rutledge.  No additional information about conditions.  Law enforcement is in contact with hostage taker. 

UPDATE: 1844hrs 10 Apr 2013
No current changes.  Added Gwinnett CO EMS/Fire Dispatch.  Minimal activity, but have talked about scene. 

UPDATE: 1834hrs 10 Apr 2013
A Captain with the fire department stated that when the original call came in that there didn't appear any concern for potentially hazardous situations.  The call was for a patient experiencing signs of chest pain.  Added the My Fox Atlanta Live News Feed.

UPDATE: 1830hrs 10 Apr 2013
AP is reporting that there it appears there is no injuries to report at this time.  WSBTV has just reported that they have spoken with law enforcement and changes to report. 

UPDATE: 1826hrs 10 Apr 2013

There are reports that neighboring houses are being evacuated in support of the scene stability.  At this point the live video is being overwhelmed by those that are wanting to view.  I will try and post alternate sight shortly. 

UPDATE: 1820hrs 10 Apr 2013

It is being reported that one of five firefighters has been allowed to exit the structure.  The initial call came in for a man having a heart attack.  This was used to lure in the responders from the fire department.  These firefighters were cross trained in medical respond which is the reason they arrived on this call.  Motive is not yet know.

Original Story

Not much information is currently available, but news reports coming from the area states that SWAT Teams are currently on scene of a house that had been foreclosed on. It is reported than an individual is holding 5 firefighters hostage in this foreclosed residence. The scene is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Looking for more information.