A lengthy standoff between an armed resident and law enforcement ended peacefully early Thursday morning in Hall County.
In a joint effort between the Flowery Branch Police Department and Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the was taken into custody at his home in the Sterling on the Lake Community in Flowery Branch.
Initially, police officers responded to a 911 call Wednesday afternoon from someone requesting a welfare check on the man who lived in the 6800 block of Lake Overlook Lane. That man, later identified as Jacob Lee Hill, 30, reportedly had been threatening to harm himself.
When officers approached the residence, Hill brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot the officers if they did not leave his property, officials say. Hill continued to threaten to harm himself, as well. When Hill fired a shot inside the house, Flowery Branch officers called for assistance from Hall County SWAT. The team, including negotiators, responded to the neighborhood and tried to convince Hill to exit the home. During the course of the negotiations, Hill fired two more shots inside the house.
Around midnight, SWAT officers determined they would have to force Hill from the residence. They deployed a less-than-lethal chemical agent into the house and Hill surrendered peacefully about 20 minutes later.
“This was a team effort all around,” says Flowery Branch Police Chief Chris Hulsey. “Neighbors were very patient because we had roads closed in the neighborhood and they couldn’t get home until very late. I also commend the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and their SWAT Team for helping to bring this incident to a peaceful end.”
No one suffered any injuries during the standoff.
“We’re thankful for the positive outcome of this very tense situation,” says Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch. “Our SWAT members and officers from the Flowery Branch Police Department worked together in tandem through the night and we’re just glad the incident was resolved without anyone being hurt.”
Hill has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a peace officer and four counts of terroristic threats. He remains in the Hall County Jail.
