Dentist arrested after SWAT situation locks down Brookhaven neighborhood

A local dentist was arrested after allegedly barricading himself inside a Brookhaven home for hours Tuesday, officials said.

The team found George Frank Roach, 48, hiding in the house shortly after 3 p.m., Brookhaven police Sgt. Jacob Kissel told AJC.com.

“He did not surrender,” Maj. Brandon Gurley said at the scene. “There was a struggle, but he is OK and in custody.”

Channel 2 Action News confirmed that Roach is a dentist with a practice in Norcross.

Officers got to the home in the 3300 block of Osborne Road about 5 a.m., Channel 2 Action News reported. They were trying to serve a search and arrest warrant on a charge of domestic violence when Roach refused to come out, according to the news station.

Brookhaven police thought the situation was violent enough to call a SWAT team, Channel 2 reported. At one point, officers fired flash bangs at the home and sent a robot in to search room by room.

Roach’s friend Brad Krabbe went to the scene of the SWAT situation to see if he could help.

“He’s a good doctor. A good-hearted guy,” Krabbe told Channel 2. “Something must’ve happened that bothered him. I don't think he’d hurt a fly.”

People who were home were told to stay inside. Residents who arrived in the neighborhood weren’t allowed to get to their homes, Channel 2 reported.