A Lawrenceville grandfather is in critical but stable condition after he was shot in the chest Friday during a burglary, Gwinnett County police said.
The victim, identified in the police report as James Ruark, was checking on his 14-year-old grandson when the suspects shot him, Gwinnett police Cpl. Deon Washington said. The shooting occurred about 11 a.m. in the 600 block of Long Circle, according to the report.
Ruark’s grandson initially “called his mom to tell her a silver car was parked in the driveway and that someone was knocking on the door,” Washington said.
The boy’s mother called her father, Ruark, who lives next door, to check on him.
“The teen barricaded himself inside his bedroom and shortly thereafter heard the main door break open,” Washington said.
The teen told police he heard the alleged burglars ransack his parents’ bedroom. The men tried to break into his room but were unsuccessful, police said.
Ruark, who entered the home and called for his grandson, was shot once in the chest by one of the burglars, police said. He called out for the teen to call 911, and was also able to call.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene and placed a chest seal on the grandfather while police provided aid, Washington said.
Ruark was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center. The teen was not harmed.
Gwinnett police are searching for three men and a silver passenger car. No other details were released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwinnett police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.
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