Man found dying on I-75 was victim of home invasion

The GBI is investigating the fatal shooting early Sunday of an Emerson man who was found inside the warning lane on I-75 southbound at the Cobb-Cherokee county line.

GBI spokesman Scott Dutton said armed robbers kidnapped the victim, later identified as 49-year-old Herbert Perkinson, from his home on 11th Street in Emerson around 9 a.m. His body was discovered on the interstate about an hour later by a passing motorist, who called 911.

Perkinson was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital where he died from his injuries, said Cherokee sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Jay Baker. Emerson police, Cherokee sheriff’s deputies and GBI agents are collaborating on the investigation.

Dutton said an autopsy will be performed by the state medical examiner.