Gwinnett County

Man accused of following women home from grocery store, attacking them

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police arrested a man who they say was following women home from grocery stores and attacking them in their own front yards.

Gwinnett police said six women were attacked during a seven-day span in the Herrington Road and Old Norcross Road area, near Lawrenceville.

Police said most of the victims had the same basic story. They went to a grocery store, then got in their car and went straight home. When they got home and were taking their groceries inside, they were attacked from behind and robbed before the suspect ran off.

"Someone can steal your purse and your belongings, but when they attack you in your home, you feel like they've stolen your house, too," said a victim who did not want to be identified.

The woman said she was pushed to the ground and her purse was stolen.

"As soon as I stepped into my front door, he jumped me and strangled me," she said. "It was terrifying. I just thought, 'This guy is going to kill me.'"

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Police arrested Boris Bell, 33, Tuesday morning. They said he was spotted driving a car linked to the crimes. Police said his house is in the area.

State records show Bell spent eight of the last 15 years in and out of prison on drug and other convictions.

"I'm just very grateful to be alive and to be safe. I'm just really glad they have caught him," the victim said.

Bell has been charged in one of the attacks and investigators said more warrants are coming.