A man who barricaded himself inside a Kennesaw home Monday afternoon, prompting a standoff with Cobb County SWAT, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
The incident took place at a home in the 4100 block of Kentmere Main in the Kentmere at Legacy Park neighborhood, Kennesaw police spokesman Officer David Buchanan said. SWAT officers entered the two-story house at around 3 p.m. and found the man dead.
Officials said he would not be publicly identified to protect his family’s privacy.
According to Buchanan, the 42-year-old called 911 and threatened suicide, saying that he had a gun. When officers responded, they learned that multiple children were inside the home. They were able to get the children out but could not establish a line of communication with the suspect.
Kennesaw officers then requested help from the Cobb SWAT unit and secured warrants against the man on charges of reckless conduct and second-degree cruelty to children, Buchanan said. During the standoff, Kentmere Main was blocked to all traffic except residents.
Authorities did not say how SWAT officers entered the home, but photos from the scene showed the front door of the four-bedroom home had been badly damaged. Police did not fire any shots during the standoff, and there was never any danger to the public, Buchanan said.
“While we may never understand what led to this tragic circumstance, it is important to remember there are surviving family members and friends. Please join us in keeping these survivors in your thoughts and prayers,” Kennesaw police Chief Bill Westenberger said in a statement. “Our department greatly appreciates the assistance of the Cobb County Police Department and Kennesaw/Acworth 911 for their hard work during this difficult incident.”
The Kentmere subdivision, which is one of 12 neighborhoods in the 117-acre Legacy Park community, reopened at 3:30 p.m.
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