Lyft Driver Safe After Being Held Hostage At Knifepoint In Georgia Sheriff’s Office

A Lyft driver is safe and a suspect in custody following a dramatic hostage situation early Thursday morning inside a Georgia sheriff’s office.

The incident began just after 4 a.m. on June 5, when Dawson County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to a reported hostage situation in the front lobby of the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center. Deputies arriving on the scene found David Christopher Morris, of Dawsonville, holding a fixed-blade knife to the Lyft driver, whom he had allegedly forced to the location.

According to statements, Morris had been picked up earlier in Hall County and, during the drive to a Dawson County address, threatened the Lyft driver with a knife. He then allegedly ordered the driver to take him to the sheriffs office. Upon arrival, Morris entered the facilitys lobby while still holding the driver at knifepoint and demanded to speak with Sheriff Jeff Johnson.

A SWAT team quickly responded and secured the area. Sheriff Johnson then arrived at the scene and engaged Morris in direct communication. After a period of negotiation, Morris released the hostage and surrendered the knife without further incident.

The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services.

“Were grateful this situation ended without further harm to the victim, our deputies, or the suspect,” Public Information Officer Sergeant Blackstock said. “It is an honor to work for a strong leader who leads calmly by example, even in the face of danger. I also want to thank our detention staff, 911 operators, criminal investigators, SWAT team, and all responding deputies for their quick thinking and steady response. Situations like this remind us that every role in this agency matters — and its because of that teamwork that we were able to bring this to a safe conclusion.”

Morris was taken into custody and is being held at the Dawson County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation, with further details — including potential charges — to be released as they become available.