Gwinnett Co. man shot returning home from work

NORCROSS, Ga. — Gwinnett County police believe the man who shot a National Guardsman in his own driveway may be responsible for a series of other robberies in the area.

Bobby Swanger III, 25, is expected to recover from the two gunshot wounds. His family said he's in good condition at Gwinnett Medical Center but is expected to remain there overnight for observation.

Police said Swanger was returning home from his regular job as a security guard around 4:15 a.m. when a man pulled a gun on him in the driveway of his Traymore Drive home.  Swanger handed over his wallet with $160 in it, but the gunman shot him anyway, once in the shoulder and once in the leg. 

Swanger was able to stagger inside his home, where he lives with his family.

"About midway down the stairs, he says, 'I've been shot,'" said Cody Swanger, the victim's brother.  "At that point, I could only fear the worst.  I was scared, more scared than I've ever been in my life."

Swanger's father said his son actually had a pistol in his pocket, but the gunman pulled his weapon first.

"He's in good spirits," said his father, Bobby Swanger Jr.  "Not many people get shot twice with a high-caliber gun and walk away."

Police describe the gunman as a black male in his early 20s with light skin and facial hair.  He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark shorts and a large dark-colored hat.

"Investigators are following up on all leads and are looking into the possibility that this may be connected to a several other armed robberies in recent weeks," said Gwinnett County police in a news release.

Investigators also believe the robber may have targeted Hispanics in the area and are worried some of those victims may have been too afraid to come forward.  They are asking anyone who may have encountered this man to step forward with information.

WSBTV