Local

70-year-old robbed at gunpoint inside home

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — One person is in custody and Gwinnett County police are searching for another person, both of whom allegedly robbed an elderly man at gunpoint inside his own home.

The home invasion happened in late December on Valley Brook Road near Snellville. But neighbors said this is the latest in a series of crimes, and many are taking action.

On Wednesday, Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh spoke to neighbors who installed privacy fences, surveillance cameras and heavy-duty locks.

"First time I locked my fence up since I've been here -- 13 years," said homeowner Raymond Hobbs.

For many, the crime wave peaked in late December when a 70-year-old man was robbed.

The victim was too frightened to speak with Channel 2 Action News, but neighbors said he actually met one of the suspects after reading his flier advertising yard work.

Gwinnett County police said Troy Baker, 22, first kicked in the victim's back door while he was out of town. They said he stole several items, including three guns.

Police said when the victim returned home, Baker went back with another person.

"Suspects entered the house again through the same back door that had been broken during the burglary. This time they made contact with him; they were armed," said Gwinnett police Detective Greg Heller.

Police recovered one of the guns used during the home invasion. They said it's likely the victim's own gun used against him.

"A lot of houses are owned by old people. I don't want to see them getting hurt in their house. That's terrible," said neighbor Dawn Randall.

"We're probably right on the edge of a shootout in this neighborhood. People are arming themselves," said another neighbor, who did not want to be identified for safety reasons.

That woman said everyone is fed up with break-ins and drug activity. She told Kavanagh she's constantly monitoring her home security cameras.

Others are using pets for protection. They said they are fighting to get their neighborhood back.

Gwinnett County police used their SWAT team to arrest Baker on Friday.

Kavanaugh looked into Baker's criminal history and found a long list of charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping.

Police are still looking for the second suspect in the invasion.