Man who exchanged gunfire with Sandy Springs police in SWAT standoff identified

Man arrested after officer grazed by bullet in Sandy Springs

A standoff in Sandy Springs near Carroll Manor Drive ended after a suspect turned himself in around 2:10 p.m. Tuesday. Police said an officer was grazed on the thumb during an exchange of gunfire as they approached the home. It’s unclear whether the injury came from the suspect’s weapon or friendly fire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist, and police expect to remain in the area for several hours while neighbors are kept out of the blocked-off zone.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - The man taken into custody after an hours-long standoff in Sandy Springs on Tuesday has been identified. 

The incident began when he allegedly opened fire on police officers responding to reports of gunshots inside his home.

What we know:

Herbert Mesa, 56, of Atlanta, , surrendered around 2:10 p.m. after barricading himself inside a residence on Carroll Manor Drive.

According to Sandy Springs police, officers arrived around 11:19 a.m. after getting a call about shots fired inside the home. As they approached, Mesa reportedly fired at them. One officer was grazed by a bullet during the exchange.

The officer was treated and released from a nearby hospital.

Police said Mesa was hit by return gunfire before retreating further inside the house. SWAT officers surrounded the residence and took over the scene. After about two hours, Mesa surrendered without further incident.

He was taken to the hospital and remains in stable condition, according to the GBI.

What they're saying:

One neighbor said she heard "a feathering" of gunshots followed by police sirens. 

"The gentleman of the house they're at, I've known him for several years. He's a very nice man. I hear there are some troubles in his marriage," said Stephanie Forrest. "I'm thinking, unfortunately, that something snapped." 

Forrest said the homes are duplexes and the neighbors connected to the house were stuck inside. She said neighbors told her the suspect was known to have multiple guns. 

Another neighbor, Victoria, said the suspect was always supportive of his neighbors and a nice guy. She said he was a trainer and was always motivational. 

"We have a neighbor who was going through a rough time, and (the suspect) went over there and talked him down from being suicidal," said Victoria. 

What we don't know:

Investigators said it is not yet clear whether the officer’s injury came from Mesa’s gunfire or from another officer.

Police have not said what led to the initial gunfire inside the home or what prompted Mesa to open fire on officers. 

Authorities have also not released details about the type of weapon used or whether any charges have been filed. 

It remains unclear how many shots were fired during the exchange, how many officers discharged their weapons, or what role the reported welfare check played in the confrontation.

What's next:

Police said they expect to be in the area for several more hours while they investigate.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist with the investigation.