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Fayette residents take safety measures after home invasion

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Residents are taking extra precautions after a home invasion and assault in a Fayette County subdivision.

Neighbors along Paula Drive said they don't typically lock their doors on their quiet cul-de-sac, but that may change after the Tuesday morning attack.

It's the kind of street where lazy dogs lie on the front porch and neighbors like Beth Owens said she likes to take a leisurely stroll. One man called it "Fayette's best-kept secret."

"I was actually out walking yesterday and a neighbor stopped me to tell me what happened and then I called some other people to tell them about it," said Owens.

Investigators had an ongoing aerial search for five hours that did not turn up anything.  It's believed the suspect fled on foot.  Authorities only have a vague description of the man.

"I still feel safe and secure and there was a lot of police presence yesterday, so I know they're doing the best that they can," said Owens.

Sierra Pyron, a mother of three small children, said after she received an email from a friend informing her of the situation in her area that she decided to enroll in Nixle emergency alerts.

"I found that you can text through your phone the number 888-777 and then, the message you put in is your zip code," said Pyron.  

Once enrolled, residents receive text alerts on crime and weather warnings.  Fayette County investigators said after Tuesday's incident was reported, Nixle sent out 1,000 emails to enrolled residents in a five-mile radius of the scene. 

"If something is going on in my area, I want to know, so that I can keep myself and my family safe," said Pyron.

Neighbors on Paula Drive are united in wanting the person who committed the crime caught and off the streets. 

"Normally on a day like this, I'd have my windows open but everything is locked up. I've got my kids inside, we'd normally be playing outside," said Pyron.