Cobb County

Man held woman, 2 others hostage before surrendering to SWAT team, police say

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County SWAT situation ended peacefully after police say a man with a handgun held a woman hostage inside a home.

Police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that the suspect is convicted felon Frank Malone, who originally held three people against their will overnight at a halfway home.

A man and a woman were able to escape Tuesday and alert police, according to Cobb County Police Major Jeff Adcock.

The woman who was held hostage during the standoff is unharmed. Malone surrendered peacefully and is now in police custody.

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Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Chris Jose learned the halfway house is operated by New Transitions in Marietta.

The group's director confirmed to Jose that the hostage situation started around 6 p.m. Monday. Malone had been living at the home since July.

"He told them if the police showed up, he would kill them all," Natalie Rains, a friend of one hostage, told Jose.

After two of the hostages escaped, the SWAT team arrived on the scene in the 2300 block of Arkose Drive around 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The home is located near a day care center along with dozens of other businesses. Police said Milford Elementary and Osborne High School were on lockdown but were released.

The situation ended peacefully after four and a half hours of negotiation.