Police Seek Suspect After Attempted Armed Break-In Near Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road

Gwinnett family watched in fear as doorbell cam recorded armed man trying to kick in their apartment door

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged doorknob or lock mechanism, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a home invasion attempt.A security camera captures the aftermath of an attempted armed break-in, exposing the vulnerability of Suwanee residents to property crimes.Suwanee Today

A Gwinnett family living off Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road watched in fear as their doorbell camera recorded an armed man attempting to break into their apartment. Police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sonny Stephens and are asking the public for help in locating him.

Why it matters

This attempted armed break-in highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the Suwanee area, where property crimes and home invasions have been a persistent issue. The incident was captured on a home security camera, providing valuable evidence for the police investigation.

The details

According to the police report, the family watched in real-time as the suspect, identified as Sonny Stephens, tried kicking down their apartment door while armed. The family immediately contacted the authorities, who are now searching for Stephens and urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

  • The incident occurred on April 3, 2026 near the Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road area.

The players

Sonny Stephens

A 21-year-old suspect identified by police as the individual who attempted the armed break-in.

Gwinnett County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the attempted armed break-in and searching for the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must act quickly to apprehend this dangerous individual and ensure the safety of our community.”

— Chief of Police, Gwinnett County Police Department

What’s next

The Gwinnett County Police Department is actively searching for Sonny Stephens and urges anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately.

The takeaway

This attempted armed break-in serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing public safety challenges facing the Suwanee area, underscoring the need for vigilance, effective law enforcement, and community-based solutions to address property crimes and home invasions.