Gwinnett Homeowner Attacked by Tenants After Eviction, But Deputies Were Nearby

A Lawrenceville homeowner was attacked by the tenants evicted from her property, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department.

Homeowner Gladys Garcia was reportedly punched in the face and thrown to the ground by four people who have been arrested and charged with battery. The homeowner was able to retrieve a firearm during the struggle and got off one shot that did not hit anyone.

The incident occurred Monday March 3 around 6 p.m.

Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Shannon Volkodav said Miguel Gonzalez Martinez, Jonathan Martinez Delgado, Thabata Abigay Martinez and Suvanee Cherrlyn Martinez were arrested.

An excerpt from the sheriff’s department press release:

At approximately 6:00 pm on Monday, March 3, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Civil Unit completed a Writ of Possession (eviction) at 802 Deidre Marie Court in Lawrenceville.  As the deputies were leaving the neighborhood, they observed that the eviction crew was not following behind them, as is customary.

 

The deputies returned to the location to check on the welfare of the eviction crew and observed the four evicted tenants in an altercation with the homeowner, 26 year old Gladys Garcia.

Deputies were advised by witnesses that once they left the scene, the four evicted tenants approached Ms. Garcia, who was parked down the street.  Ms. Garcia was attempting to leave the location when she was punched in the face, thrown to the ground and attacked by the four individuals.  During the attack, Ms. Garcia was able to retrieve a gun from her vehicle and fired one shot from the weapon, but did not strike anyone.  Ms. Garcia sustained scratches and lacerations on her face and hands during the attack.

Garcia told the WSB-TV she had been trying to evict the tenants for months.