The Dawson County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office is reporting that Sheriff Jeff Johnson was able to negotiate a peaceful resolution to a hostage situation that occurred early Thursday (June 5, 2025) in the front lobby of the Law Enforcement Center.

Shortly after 4 a.m. deputies encountered a man—later identified by authorities as David Christopher Morris—holding another man hostage using a fixed-blade knife, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook statement.

The hostage was a Lyft driver who picked up the suspect in Dawson County, according to the sheriff’s office. During the drive to Dawson County, the suspect reportedly threatened the driver with a knife and demanded to be taken directly to the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Upon arrival, Morris entered the facility’s front lobby while still holding the driver at knifepoint, demanding to speak with Sheriff Johnson,” the statement said.

SWAT deputies set up a perimeter. Sheriff Johnson arrived on scene and engaged directly with the suspect, the sheriff’s office says. The sheriff was able to convince the suspect to release the hostage and surrender the weapon without further incident.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services.

Morris was taken into custody by patrol deputies and is currently being held at the Dawson County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation.