Armed man arrested in Gwinnett after barricading himself in home he’d allegedly set on fire

GCPD seek information on the case

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – (Sept. 15, 2024 ) – Gwinnett County Police Department report that a suspect is in custody after allegedly setting his house on fire and barricading himself inside the home. Jonathan Lee, 33, is charged with Arson in the 1^st, Criminal Damage to Property in the 1^st, and obstruction.

According to a press release from GCPD, just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, officers assigned to the Central Precinct responded to a residential fire call with an individual armed with a knife walking out of a home on Gainesway Trace in Duluth. Officers arrived on scene to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence. Officers made contact with Lee inside armed with a knife and refusing to exit the home.

Gwinnett County Fire and Rescue knocked down the fire as officers and mental health clinicians tried to negotiate with Lee to peacefully surrender. The Gwinnett County SWAT Team was activated due to Lee being armed and was able to take him into custody. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital out of an abundance of caution.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, they are asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  GP240068239