Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER -- A Winder resident thwarted a robbery at his home Wednesday by returning fire with the armed suspects, and authorities are "vigorously" pursuing leads to track down the perpetrators.

Barrow County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Matt Guthas said deputies responded to the home on Jessica Court in Winder at about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. The resident, identified only as an adult male, told authorities two masked men entered at gunpoint and ordered him not to move.

The suspects were armed with a shotgun, and the resident had a handgun, Guthas said.

"The resident attempted to hide and one of the two perpetrators fired at the victim," Guthas said. "The resident returned fire, causing the suspects to flee."

Authorities do not believe any parties involved were injured.

Deputies are currently searching for the two men. The first is described as a tall, light-skinned black male approximately 6 feet tall and wearing jeans and a gray T-shirt. The second is described as about 5-foot-6, dark-skinned and wearing a red and black T-shirt.

Both suspects had short hair and used "material" to cover their faces, Guthas said. They may have been riding in a gray four-door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call 770-307-3080, extension 3083.

"Investigators say this incident appears isolated and should not cause undue alarm to other residents in the area," Guthas said.