Crime & Safety

News Nearby: Gwinnett Firefighter Hostage Audio Released

Audio from Wednesday's SWAT standoff with Gwinnett Police reveals dialogue from within the residence in Suwanee.

Audio that has been posted online from Wednesday's SWAT standoff in Suwanee includes early communications from a Gwinnett firefighter who was among those held hostage.

"We are in a situation ... where we have an armed person," a firefighter's voice is heard in a YouTube video posting from radioreference.com.

This audio was the only communication from inside the house at 2440 Walnut Grove Way until the hostage-taker's cell phone was restored -- which was among his early demands.

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"He is armed ... and we are in the room with him," the Gwinnett firefighter is heard telling dispatch, at about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday.

Lauren Brown, 55, was the hostage-taker who later was shot to death by a Gwinnett Police SWAT officer. The ordeal ended about 7:30 p.m. when police decided to storm the house.

Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brown took the hostages after making a 911 call about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to police. He apparently had planned the episode because he knew firefighters would come unarmed.

Until Brown's cell phone service was restored -- per his request, which can be heard on this audio -- this was the only source of communication from inside the hostage house and police on the outside.

See also:

  • Suwanee Hostage Taker's Family Releases Statement
  • Suwanee SWAT Standoff: 'It Was a Typical Call'


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