Hall County man accused of dousing hostage in gasoline, threatening to set her on fire indicted
A man was indicted after law enforcement officials said he took a woman hostage, poured gasoline all over the building they were in and threatened to set it on fire.
In July 2022, investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said 34-year-old Randy Berry took a woman hostage inside a residence on Lakeview Lane off Brown Bridge Road in Gainesville.
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It is unclear what Berry’s relationship with the hostage was.
When law enforcement officers arrived, they attempted to negotiate with Berry, but his threats quickly escalated.
According to the indictment, Berry poured gasoline on himself and his hostage, threatening to set them on fire.
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As the situation escalated, SWAT members were called to the scene to end the standoff forcefully.
At the time of the incident, authorities said Berry was shot in the arm and SWAT members went inside the residence to rescue the hostage.
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Investigators said the woman was not physically injured but was taken to the hospital for observation.
Berry was indicted on a criminal attempt to commit a felony, terrorist threats, obstruction of an officer and reckless conduct.
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