Home News 

Story

2 Arrested After Cab Fare Fight, SWAT Standoff

Posted: 5:51 am EST November 5, 2009Updated: 6:44 am EST November 5, 2009

A dispute over cab fare Wednesday night led to gunshots and a standoff with police that ended with two people in jail.

The incident began when Michael Famiglitti, 49, and Ashley Carswell, 35, called a cab to take them from a Cobb County bar where they had been drinking to Famiglitti's home in Acworth, according to Lieutenant Jay Baker of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

When the cab driver told the couple the bill was $35 for the ride, an argument started, Baker said.

Ashley Carswell

Ashley Carswell

Famiglitti is accused of retrieving a rifle from his house, firing a shot into the air and pointing the gun at the cabbie. The driver fled and called 911.

The couple locked themselves in the house and refused to come out, according to Baker. The SWAT team was called out.

Michael Famiglitti

Michael Famiglitti

After several hours of unsuccessful negotiations, police fired pepper gas canisters into the home. Deputies went into the house and took Famiglitti and Carswell into custody.

Police charged Famiglitti with aggravated assault, and charged Carswell with obstruction.

More Headlines

2 Investigates

Scientists at the Georgia Aquarium have disturbing new research ... and what they're finding in ocean creatures could have massive implications for Georgians. Channel 2 Action News reporter Linda Stouffer got a close up look. Watch Video ››
Pt. 2 Georgia Aquarium Researchers Conduct Seafood Testing
DOLPHIN RESEARCH WEB EXTRAS: marineland.net | RAW VIDEO: Swimming With Dolphins | Fish Consumption Guidelines | Seafood Advisory Areas


A local police major says he's been removed from hiring and recruitment ... a result of sexual harassment allegations by two women. Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne has the latest. Watch Video ››


Federal law forbids paying welfare benefits to immigrants -- even legal immigrants. But a government investigation found that states all over the country are ignoring an important part of that law. When Channel 2 Action News reporter Richard Belcher asked Georgia's Department of Human Services what it was doing, the answer was: We don't know.

A Channel 2 investigation is exposing critical 911 delays. Dozens of Channel 2 viewers called and e-mailed us and said they were put on hold during emergencies. Investigative reporter Jodie Fleischer spent months requesting and digging through records. While the city of Atlanta still hasn't provived all of what we asked for, Fleischer has uncovered what appears to be a 911 emergency.

Channel 2 Investigates uncovers government waste , fraud and abuse. Full Story ››