Man shoots, kills intruder who charged toward him, police say

A man shot and killed someone who charged toward him outside the Gwinnett County home where he lives, police said.

Robert Morton, 20, was upstairs when he heard a noise just before 1 a.m. Friday on Mayfield Farms Drive in unincorporated Lawrenceville, Gwinnett police said.

Gwinnett County police are investigating after they said a man shot an intruder outside his home on Mayfield Farms Drive. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

“He grabbed his firearm and went to investigate,” Cpl. Wilbert Rundles said.

Morton found James Brock, 50, of Gainesville, breaking into a vehicle in the driveway and confronted the man, police said.

“He verbally challenged the intruder,” Rundles said. “The intruder charged at the resident and the resident fired more than one shot, striking the intruder.”

Brock died on the scene. His body was found near the garage.

“Criminal charges are not expected against Morton,” Cpl. Michele Pihera said.

It’s unclear if Brock had a gun and why he targeted the home. There is no link between him and Morton.

Other people were in the home at the time of the shooting, but no one else was injured, police said.