Police: Patient held clinic hostage, shot and killed by officers

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Police said a patient of a dermatology clinic held the medical office hostage, and was killed by officers responding to the scene after he brandished a firearm at officers.

Around 11 a.m., Gainesville Police responded to multiple 911 calls from inside the Lanier Dermatology clinic along the 600 block of South Enota Drive of a hostage situation. Multiple patients and employees reported a man was at the dermatology office waving a gun. Investigators said around 20 people were in the facility at the time.

"One of the last calls we ever want to hear is a report of an active shooter or gunman, especially with innocent people around," said Sgt. Kevin Holbrook, who told FOX 5 first responders came quickly to the scene to confront the threat.

When officers arrived, they said numerous patients and employees tried to rush out of the building.  Officers said once they approached the gunman, identified as 62-year-old Dahlonega resident Rodney Hamilton, he brandished a weapon and officers fired multiple times.

Hamilton was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

No officers or citizens were injured in the shooting.

Two officers fired shots and will be placed on administrative leave, as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation takes over the investigation.

Police said Monday night, the numerous hostages inside the building are being interviewed in separate locations, including the Gainesville Police department, to investigate a possible motive for the hostage situation.

Two staff members approached by FOX 5 did not have any comments on the incident.