As of Friday, February 17, 2012
© Copyright 2012
Gwinnett Daily Post
SNELLVILLE -- Police have ramped up patrols near Snellville jewelry stores following a brazen home-invasion and rape this week at a jeweler's residence.
Two masked men armed with handguns kicked in a back door at a Snellville area home about 9 p.m. Monday, surprising the jeweler, his wife and 75-year-old mother.
In the next 30 minutes, the men would steal an estimated $100,000 in the family's personal jewelry and watches and sexually assault the 53-year-old wife, police said.
Investigators believe the family, who are Indian, were targeted because they own a jewelry store, which sits near the Ga. Highway 124 corridor near Snellville. The robbers also took about $3,000 in cash.
"We don't have any information to say (the victims) were followed home that night," said Gwinnett police Cpl. Jake Smith, "but we do have information to say (the suspects) knew they were the owners of that store."
Smith said the case bears similarities to other crimes in metro Atlanta targeting Indian residents, but other facets suggest it could be isolated, he said. Officials with the Evermore Community Improvement District said uniform officers are stepping up patrols at jewelry stores in the area in response to the incident.
The victims described both men as black, about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 180 to 195 pounds. One suspect was described as about 40 to 45 years old. Both carried large black handguns and wore ski masks, Smith said.
No one saw the robbers leaving the scene, either on foot or in a vehicle.
Smith said the investigation is ongoing.
"We've been working it constantly since we got the case," he said Thursday.
Comments
Kent 3 months ago
I hope these terrorists have a confrontation with a law enforcement officer or private citizen and are immediately given the justice they are due by being taken out of the population. DRT
ssilover1 3 months ago
While Snellville is applauding its new right to use lasers on speeders, I wish they would put as much energy, effort and muscle behind the thugs and down right criminals that are, as Kent put it, real terrorists. Quit going after the little guy who you can easily target. Take on the tough ones. PUt all your manpower and resources behind CRIME!!!
A_Gwinnetian 3 months ago
One the bright side, we can now hope some of these violent offenders will be pulled over for speeding....that'll show 'em!
news2me 3 months ago
Other media reports have this horrific crime taking place in Lilburn, not Snellville. Most likely the crime occured in unincorporated Gwinnett.
In regards to the speeding through Snellville comments, some of you would still find reason to complain if these criminals were caught while speeding away from the crime scene! News flash: armed robbers and rapists commit minor traffic offenses!
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