GCPD Release Identity of Suspect Killed in Armed Attack In Duluth

Gwinnett County police have identified the armed intruder shot dead yesterday by the woman he is reported to have attacked. He has been identified as Israel Perez Puentes, 34, of 5005 North Bridges Drive, Altharetta.

The Gwinnett County Police Department Homicide Unit reported the incident yesterday, classing it as a justifiable use of force following an attempted sexual assault on a 53-year-old Duluth resident. 

According to a press release, Gwinnett County PD were originally dispatched on a call regarding an alleged burglary in progress. Officers arrived to find the alleged attacker critically wounded in the back yard of the home at  2844 E. Mount Tabor Circle in unincorporated Gwinnett.

Gwinnett PD reports the victim of the assault, a 53-year-old female, was inside her home when she was confronted by a Puentes, allegedly holding a kitchen knife. This happened while she was in the shower. A struggle ensued, with the victim being forced her into the bedroom where it is assumed Puentes intended to sexually assault her under threat of the knife. The victim managed to retriever her .22 cal. pistol and shot her attacker multiple times. He fled out the back door before collapsing on the lawn. He was transported by Gwinnett County Fire/EMS to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville where he died as a result of his injuries. The victim was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in Duluth with minor injuries. Police said at this time there is no indication that the victim knew Puentes and it’s believed he was there to sexually assault her. 

GCPD spokesman Cpl. Edwin Ritter said homicide detectives are still looking into whether Puentes is linked to any other crimes in the area.