Man Holds Lyft Driver Hostage at Dawson County Sheriff’s Office

Just after 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported hostage situation inside the front lobby of the Law Enforcement Center.

Deputies encountered David Christopher Morris, of Dawsonville, holding a fixed-blade knife to a man later identified as his Lyft driver. According to initial reports, Morris had been picked up in Hall County and, during the ride to a Dawson County address, threatened the driver with a knife and ordered him to drive to the sheriff’s office.

Upon arrival, Morris entered the facility’s front lobby with the driver still at knifepoint and demanded to speak with Sheriff Jeff Johnson.

SWAT deputies responded and established a secure perimeter. Sheriff Johnson arrived on scene and began communicating directly with Morris. After a period of negotiation, Morris released the hostage and surrendered without further incident.

Public Information Officer Sergeant Blackstock praised the safe outcome and the leadership that helped bring the crisis to a peaceful end: “We’re grateful this situation ended without further harm to the victim, our deputies, or the suspect. It is an honor to work for a strong leader who leads calmly by example, even in the face of danger. I also want to thank our detention staff, 911 operators, criminal investigators, SWAT team, and all responding deputies for their quick thinking and steady response. Situations like this remind us that every role in this agency matters—and it’s because of that teamwork that we were able to bring this to a safe conclusion.”

The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services. Morris was taken into custody by patrol deputies and is currently being held at the Dawson County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation, and charges are pending.