AUGUSTA, Ga. – Late Tuesday, the tranquil neighborhood on the 800 block of Hay Meadow Drive was disrupted by a tense standoff involving the SWAT teams from both the Richmond and Columbia County Sheriff’s Offices. The unfolding drama stemmed from a domestic incident reportedly involving a firearm.

Authorities revealed that the situation escalated when a female managed to exit the residence and sought medical attention from Central EMS. Inside, the male suspect allegedly barricaded himself, armed with multiple guns, and refused to surrender, making threats in the process.

In response to the volatile circumstances, law enforcement took swift action to ensure public safety. Nearby homes were evacuated, and access to the area was restricted, cutting off both pedestrian and vehicular movement.

The situation remained tense as a trained negotiator made contact with the suspect, engaging him in conversation for about an hour. However, the standoff took a tragic turn when a gunshot echoed from within the house. SWAT officers quickly entered the premises, where they discovered the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In a bid to save the suspect’s life, the SWAT team’s medic provided immediate assistance, and EMS personnel, who were on standby nearby, were swiftly brought in to deliver advanced medical care.

RCSO said it will provide more details when available.

Investigators are currently still on the scene.

This standoff marks the second one that was reported by RSCO on Tuesday. Earlier in the evening, deputies responded to Fox Hall Circle for a reported shots fired which later led to a standoff.

This is a developing story. Count on NewsChannel 6 for more information as it becomes available.