Gwinnett PD need help identifying shoplifter who attempted to shoot citizen

Gwinnett Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a shoplifter and his accomplice that attempted to shoot a citizen when the citizen tried to stop them.

According to a press release from Gwinnett PD, at about 2 p.m. on Sept. 5, a suspect enter a business at 875 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road in Lawrenceville and loaded about $1800 worth of equipment into a buggy and fled to the parking lot. While fleeing, other shoppers tried to to stop him but he produced a handgun and threatened to shoot them. He began to load the stolen merchandise into a waiting vehicle and tried to shoot one of the bystanders as they attempted to stop the theft. Fortunately the gun did not fire. A second suspect was waiting in the vehicle. The first suspect assaulted one of the citizens with his handgun, completed loading the merchandise and was then driven away by the second suspect.

The first suspect is described as a black male, possibly in his 20’s, approximately 5’6” tall and weighing around 130 lbs, with short black hair, and short facial hair.  He was last seen wearing a torn white shirt, black jeans, white sneakers, and thick rimmed black glasses. He was armed with a black handgun. The  is described as a black male wearing all black clothing.

The suspect vehicle is described as a red Kia Soul.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number(s):  18-082846

This is the second time in the surrounding area this week that a shoplifter has pulled a gun. Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper was shot at the Walmart in Covington on Monday while chasing down a shoplifting suspect.