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Car thieves shoot homeowner in Gwinnett Co.

Early morning incident stuns Lawrenceville neighborhood

Gwinnett County Police Sunday were searching for four car burglars who they say shot a resident who confronted them in the 300 block of Lexington Drive. The incident happened around 1 a.m.

Police Cpl. A.M. Kingsley told 11Alive News that the burglars, described only as "four Asian males", were breaking into cars when the homeowner, 29-year-old Nelson Martinez, saw them.

Martinez gave chase and challenged the men, tackling one of them to the ground. Investigators said one of the other suspects shot at Martinez, hitting him twice in the chest near the intersection of Lexington Drive and Arlington Way.

Martinez was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition following surgery.

Police said the suspects left the area in a white four-door passenger car, possibly a Honda or Toyota. Investigators said the suspects had entered two vehicles in the apartment complex and reportedly stolen some items, including a gun. Two other vehicles were found nearby that had been entered by the suspects, according to police.

Anyone with additional information about the crime or the suspects is asked to contact Gwinnett County Police at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Anonymous callers to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest an indictment in the case.

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