Firefighters Respond to Tree on House Call, Man Arrested

A family is displaced but not injured following a large tree crashing into their Snellville home early Wednesday morning.

At that same home, a man was taken into custody after police determined that a damaged car in the driveway was stolen.

Firefighters first responded to the home on Sunderland Drive about 8 a.m. on Wednesday, when an occupant called to report that a tree had fallen on their home. The owner wanted to see if it was safe to return back inside, according to a press release from Capt. Eric Eberly, of Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services.

When crews arrived they found the two-story house with a large tree covering most of it. (See photo attached.) Fire officials said that all residents were safe and gathered outside when help arrived.

Firefighters determined there was extensive damage to rear portion of the home, and then declared the home uninhabitable. In an email, Eberly added that the tree was living, and that it's possible that rain over the past few days helped the tree give way.

The displaced family includes two adults and two children. The female adult and the children are being assisted by Red Cross for shelter. However, the male adult will be taking up residence at the county jail.

While Gwinnett County Police officers were at the home they found a stolen vehicle in the driveway, and then subsequently arrested the man.

According to jail records, the man arrested was Jimmie Dee Chapman, of Sunderland Drive. He was charged with a theft by receiving, a felony, and no bond is set. (See police booking photo attached.)

The vehicle was impounded by officers, while the power company disconnected the power to the home, fire officials said. The property was then returned back to the property owner, and fire officials ended the incident call about 11 a.m.