Police: Gwinnett homeowner shoots and kills intruder

A woman shot and killed a man who kicked in the front door of her home in unincorporated Gwinnett County, police said.

Gwinnett police responded to the 3500 block of Spring Drive just before 4 a.m., Cpl. Deon Washington said.

“The homeowner told dispatchers that she and another male were awoken to the sounds of someone entering their home,” Washington said. “The female retrieved her handgun and went to investigate the sounds.”

She told police she saw at least three men coming through the front door.

“At that point,” Washington said, “she began firing rounds from her handgun and struck at least one suspect in the torso killing him.”

Antonio Leeks, 28, of Atlanta, was later identified as the man killed inside the home.

One of the other intruders fired back before he and the other man ran from the home. Police believe they sped away in a car.

No children were in the home at the time.

“This is a harrowing experience for anyone to endure, and we’re fortunate that no one else was hurt,” Washington said.

Police said they believe the three men were trying to rob the woman.

The homeowner and man sleeping in the home were taken to Gwinnett police headquarters for questioning.

No charges are expected against the homeowner, Washington said.

Police are still looking for the other two men believed to be between 20 and 30 years old and about 6-feet tall.

They plan to canvass the areas for witnesses.