Police: Woman assaulted during home invasion

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A 79-year-old woman was terrorized by robbers who sexually assaulted her.

Gwinnett County police said the woman was restrained and assaulted during a home invasion on Nov. 6.

Neighbors in the Madison Chase subdivision told Channel 2's Carl Willis they were shocked and saddened by the news.

Neighbor Terri Payne said she was on alert even before the reported attack.

"I don't open the door for anybody unless they called and told us they were coming," she said.

Police said the victim was able to get a good look at one of the suspects and helped them draw a composite sketch.

The victim reported that the first suspect knocked on her door around 6:45 p.m.

"'He looks lost,' is the way she described it," said Cpl. Jake Smith. "So, she opens the door to see if she can help. He doesn't say anything to her. He just pushes past her."

Once in the home, police said he signaled to a second suspect who also barged in with a handgun.

The victim reported that one of the robbers forced her into to a back bedroom where she was restrained and sexually assaulted.

After the attack, they took the victim's purse, police said.

"This kind of thing is pretty rare where we have something that turns into a forceful sexual assault, especially a home invasion with no kind of provocation," said Smith.

Neighbors said they were banding together.

"Hopefully, they'll have a meeting or something so we all can discuss it to come up with better ways to be safe," said Payne.

Anyone with information on this suspect or crime is asked to contact the GCPD Robbery Unit at 770-513-5300. 

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 404-557-TIPS (8477) or visit CrimeStoppers.org. Tipsters may receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

WSBTV