A fire that started in a house on Underwood Drive during a standoff last week was sparked by a Sting-Ball launched into the residence by the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
Hall County Fire Services Division Chief Zachary Brackett said fire personnel were on standby during the incident, which unfolded the morning of Feb. 12. Authorities spent more than five hours at the house in Murrayville, trying to talk Devon Mason Brannon, 36, into surrendering. Brannon entered the home brandishing a firearm, according to investigators, threatening three people inside. He only emerged from the house after a fire started in the upstairs area of the residence.
Derreck Booth, spokesman for the Hall County Sheriff's Office, said SWAT officers use what he called "distraction devices" in certain high-risk situations.
"During the standoff situation with the armed man last week, one such device was used," Booth said in a prepared statement. "The SWAT team deployed what’s referred to as a Sting-Ball, which ejects small rubber pellets with a flash charge. In this case, the device came to rest on some flammable material located inside of the home and caused a fire."
Booth acknowledged that there was a risk to using the Sting-Ball, but he said the damage to the house was not done intentionally.
"Use of these devices always comes with some risk, however, they can be very effective in reaching a peaceful conclusion in scenarios where negotiations have had no effect or the subject refuses to cooperate," Booth said. "While it is unfortunate there was unintentional damage to the residence, the offender subsequently exited the home and was arrested without injury to law enforcement or himself, which is always the desired outcome."
As of Friday morning, Brannon remained in the Hall County Jail with no bond. He is charged with home invasion, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and obstruction/resisting arrest.
