Deputies: Teen killed in SWAT standoff made aggressive move toward officers

WOODSTOCK, Ga. — A teen was shot and killed during a SWAT standoff in Cherokee County.

Deputies said 16-year-old Andrew Messina's mother called 911 to say she was being held against her will at a home in the Eagle's Watch subdivision in Woodstock.

The mother was able to get out, but deputies said the teen then either shot a gun to break the glass in the front door or used his gun to break the glass. With hostage negotiators nearby, deputies said the aggressive move prompted a sniper across the street to take a shot.

"(He made a) move toward the officers that were attempting to negotiate with him and at such time the snipers fired one shot, striking the man," Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison said

Prior to the shooting, deputies said they saw the teen pouring alcohol on the curtains inside the home and heard him threatening to burn the house down.

Neighbor Louis Goehring said Messina had been having a hard time lately.

"We've known him a long time. You see it all the time, with young folks who struggle as they go through their teenage years as they try to find their way," Goehring said.

The Etowah High School principal said students and teachers who knew Messina are having a tough time dealing with the shooting.

Investigators have not said what led up to the incident.

The GBI is investigating.

WSBTV