An incident in Marietta yesterdat escalated to a SWAT team response following an alleged assault and a tense standoff. FOX 5 Atlanta reports a taxi driver, after picking up a fare near South Marietta Parkway east of Lake Street, became the victim of an armed assault upon dropping the rider off on Carolyn Street.
Per the driver's account, the customer, later identified as 40-year-old Jevelious Bryant, threw coins at him and brandished a firearm instead of paying for the ride. Fearing for his life, the taxi driver fled and called 911, Marietta Police Department spokesperson Officer McPhilamy conveyed in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The standoff began after Bryant retreated into a residence and refused commands to exit, prompting SWAT intervention.
By the time officers surrounded the home at 1280 Carolyn Street, a warrant was obtained around 4 a.m., facilitating SWAT action to apprehend Bryant. “Just before 5 this morning, our SWAT team did make entry and did find that individual inside the house and take him into custody without incident," McPhilamy detailed in an interview with FOX 5 Atlanta. The situation was reportedly diffused without any physical harm to the police or Bryant.
Officials said having found the suspect, who was previously convicted for other offenses, was also in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and faced multiple charges including simple battery and aggravated assault with a weapon. According to a 11Alive report, detectives continued to comb the house in search of the firearm used in the alleged assault.
As the investigation unfolds, Bryant awaits legal proceedings on the charges, which also include theft of services and being a felon in possession of a firearm. No further information has been released regarding the taxi driver who, despite the traumatic experience, was unharmed physically.
