A Duluth man is in custody after he allegedly set his home on fire and barricaded himself inside Saturday night.
Gwinnett County Police officers were called to the home on Gainesway Trace just after 6 p.m. after receiving reports of a residential fire with a man armed with a knife walking out of the house. Authorities arrived on the scene to find the heavy smoke coming out of the residence. Officers made contact with Johnathan Lee, 33, who reportedly refused to exit the home.
The Gwinnett County Fire Department began to extinguish the blaze while GCPD officers and mental health clinicians attempted to negotiate with Lee to peacefully surrender. The Gwinnett County SWAT team was activated due to Lee being armed with a knife. The SWAT team was able to get Lee into custody and he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Lee was charged with Arson in the 1st, Criminal Damage to Property in the 1st, and obstruction.
The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
