Dawson and Forsyth County authorities were involved in a standoff last week after a man barricaded himself inside his home and refused to release a family member.

John Edward Haynes, 50, of Dawsonville has been charged with false imprisonment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance.

During the medical call to Hayne's residence on Townley Drive, firearms and what was believed to be heroin were found in the home, Dawson County authorities said.

"Several days later, investigators went to the home with an arrest warrant," Capt. Tony Wooten said. "Haynes was on the front porch and when he saw them pull up, he barricaded himself inside and wouldn't come out."

Haynes also refused to release a family member who was inside the residence.

Dawson County authorities spent nearly eight hours negotiating with Haynes, but were unsuccessful.

"We felt like negotiations had broken down, and a decision was made to call in Forsyth County's SWAT team," Wooten said.

Forsyth County authorities arrived on the scene with a Bearcat vehicle, an armored, tactical vehicle frequently used in military operations.

"They were able to pull the vehicle up to his window to make contact," Wooten said. "It is a safe way to make contact without putting officers in harm's way."

Haynes then came out of the house at approximately 2 a.m. and was taken into custody without incident on Jan. 30.

He is being held in the Dawson County jail. At press time, no bond had been set.