Man Barricades in DeKalb County Home After Threatening Drivers with Box Cutters

A man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after allegedly threatening passing vehicles with box cutters and later barricading himself inside a residence, prompting a multi-hour standoff with police.

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, around 1:30 p.m., DeKalb County Police Department officers were called to the area of Lavista Road (GA-236) in Tucker, GA, after receiving reports of a man in the roadway threatening drivers with box cutters. Responding officers located the individual near the 4800 block of Lavista Road. When approached, the man made threats to harm the officers before retreating to his residence and barricading himself inside.

DKPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was activated and responded to the location. For several hours, officers attempted to communicate with the suspect, who continued to refuse to surrender peacefully.

Eventually, SWAT deployed gas and entered the home, taking the suspect into custody without further incident. No injuries to officers were reported. The suspect was described as a male in his 40s. He will be evaluated as to his mental state.