Home invasion suspect still at large

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - Police are still looking for a second suspect in a fatal home invasion Friday afternoon in the Arbor Brook subdivision.

At about 5:16 p.m., police responded to 3580 Bob Hannah Drive on a robbery-in-progress call. When they arrived, they said, they found that the homeowner, 56-year-old Barry Gersten, had shot and killed one man inside the doorway. A second man, police said, had fled. Responding officers set up a perimeter and brought in K-9 units, but were unable to find the man, said Gwinnett police spokeswoman Cpl. Illana Spellman.

According to reports, Gersten was inside the home when, through a window, he saw two white men knocking on the door. Spellman said Gersten didn't answer the door because he didn't know the men.

After the suspects "forcefully breached" the door, police said, Gersten fired a weapon at both men, killing Tommy B. McGuire, 21, of Forest Park.

Homicide and Crime Scene investigators interviewed witnesses but are still working to determine the identity and whereabouts of the second suspect, Spellman said.

Police have not released a motive, and it is unclear if the suspects knew the homeowner.

A man outside the residence Monday identified himself as the homeowner but declined to comment.

"Stay off that property," the man said. "I own it, stay off. That's the end of our conversation."

Spellman said no charges have been filed against Gersten.

Police urge anyone with information to call the Gwinnett County Police Department at 770-513-5300.

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