May 19, 2013
Hahira, Georgia- July 23, 2012
On Saturday, July 21 deputies from the Uniform Patrol Division of the Sheriff’s Office responded to a 9-1-1 call at 5183 Hall Road, Hahira, Georgia to assist a family involved in a domestic dispute.
When the female of the home stated that she was going to contact 9-1-1, the husband, Thomas Swilley made a threat to shoot the responding deputies. This was passed on to the deputies who approached cautiously and found Swilley in the front yard of the residence firing a rifle and a handgun. Thomas Swilley fired several times in the direction of the deputies but hit no one. The deputies were eventually able to maneuver their patrol cars in such a manner as to provide safe cover and began to talk with Thomas Swilley asking that he drop his firearm which he ignored and refused to drop his gun.
After several minutes, Swilley tossed his weapon and was tased when he continued to refuse to comply with instructions being given to him. Thomas Swilley was arrested by deputies and checked on scene by personnel from Lowndes County Emergency Medical Service.
Thomas Swilley was transported to the Lowndes County Jail where he was charged with three counts of Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer - felony, Disorderly conduct – misdemeanor, and one count on Terroristic threats – felony. He remains in the jail and will appear for an arraignment hearing this afternoon where a bond will be considered.
During follow up investigation, a total of twelve firearms, including rifles, shotguns and handguns were removed from the residence and seized. Deputies and investigators also found a quantity of ammunition on the porch of the home and inside the living room easily accessible.
Sheriff Prine, who also responded to this incident, expressed his appreciation that this event ended without anyone being hurt. “This case could have ended much worse but thankfully it did not. Everyone is safe and that means everything.”
