PR05-001

Date:

January 7, 2005

Hostage Standoff Ends Peacefully in
Southeast Atlanta, Gunman in Custody

Fulton County deputies faced an armed gunman for five hours Thursday after attempting to take the subject to jail on a warrant. 20 year old Idris Washington was to be transported back to the Fulton County Jail after his bond had been surrendered on numerous gun related charges dating back to 2003.

Shortly after 4:00 a.m., deputies went to the Jonesboro South apartment complex to arrest Washington at his mother’s residence where he lived. When deputies entered the apartment, Washington produced a loaded handgun and threatened both the deputies and family members. The deputies backed out of the apartment and quickly evacuated nearby residents to a safe location. Sheriff’s SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiators were called to the scene. The MARTA police SWAT team also responded to assist.

Throughout the morning, negotiators communicated with the gunman and convinced him to begin releasing hostages. During negotiations, Washington began to release family members to the safety of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

Just before 9:00 a.m. Washington surrendered to deputies without further incident and was transported to jail. No one was hurt.

Washington is currently held without bond in the Fulton County Jail where he now faces additional charges stemming from the hostage incident.

For more information, please contact Lieutenant Clarence Huber at (404) 730-4148. Lieutenant Huber can also be reached on his digital pager at (770) 583-6257.