'Armed and dangerous' man attacked roommates with hammer, police say

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police are searching for a man accused of beating his girlfriend and roommate with a hammer before prompting a SWAT standoff at a home on Carll Court.

Jonathon Lafon recently moved to Fairburn from California and police are concerned he might be headed back out West, so they slashed all four of Lafon's tires as a police tactic to keep him from fleeing or using the car as a weapon.

Fairburn investigators told Channel 2's Liz Artz that Lafon attacked his girlfriend and their roommate with a hammer. Both victims were rushed to the hospital with severe facial injuries.

"We have broken bones, broken jaw, puncture wounds (with the) claw (of the hammer) very serious injuries," detectives said.

Lafon is now wanted on two counts of aggravated assault. He has a very distinctive skeletal tattoo on his hand that may help authorities locate him.

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Police also confiscated marijuana plants from the house on Carll Court and say drug charges are pending.

Deputy Chief Anthony Bazydlo told Artz that it appears Lafon has a previous criminal record and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Neighbor Courtney Jones said she is stunned at what happened.

“I've talked to him a few times. I didn't expect this to happen. You never know what people will do. I'm just very concerned about my neighbor,” Jones said. "She's a nice girl."

Police told Artz they also found multiple guns inside the home and that has added to their concern for the public’s safety.

Lafon's girlfriend told authorities that he was acting strangely and had been drinking when the incident occurred.

Some people claim to have spotted Lafon in the Metro Atlanta area, but he has not been caught yet and a statewide manhunt is in effect.

Cox Media Group