Powder Springs couple says they saw someone in mask, heard gunshot

POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. - Authorities are searching for an armed suspect after a local couple woke up to a masked intruder inside their Marietta Street home early Friday morning, prompting an intensive search that drew local SWAT and drone units.

The incident has shaken the suburban community, where law enforcement officials emphasize that such violent home invasions are highly unusual for the area.

What we know:

The incident began around 3:00 a.m. when a couple awoke to a disturbance inside their residence. The intruder, described as wearing a ski mask that exposed only his eyes and a khaki jacket, was captured on home security footage armed with a handgun while peering through the couple's back door before forcing entry.

Upon realizing someone was inside, the homeowners contacted 911 and barricaded themselves in their bedroom. A firearm was discharged inside the home (by the suspect) during the encounter, though no injuries were reported.

Powder Springs Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the emergency call, but the suspect had already fled. The homeowner said because authorities could not initially confirm whether the intruder was still hiding inside the property, the Cobb County Police SWAT team was dispatched to clear the residence. Law enforcement utilized drones to inspect both the interior and exterior of the home during the search.

No arrests have been made, and the suspect remains at large. Investigators are actively requesting that residents in the Marietta Street area review their home security and doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity from early Friday morning. Anyone with information regarding the suspect or the incident is urged to contact the Powder Springs Police Department.

Homeowners report seeing flashlight, hearing gunshot

What they're saying:

The homeowners, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, detailed the terrifying moments they realized their home had been breached.

"I realized it was a flashlight I thought it was a reflection possibly hitting mirror you know light outside at first," one of the homeowners said. "I went to see what it was and walked that way then a gun went off. I realized it was a flashlight and saw the shape of the guy."

The homeowner noted how quickly the situation shifted after the weapon was discharged, stating, "The guy ran down the stairs and back down the hall and out of my view."

Reviewing their security feeds later provided a clearer, more chilling picture of the suspect.

"We had him on camera he was holding a gun when he was looking in our back door on camera and had a ski mask with his eyes showing," the homeowner said.

The heavy police and tactical presence that followed underscored the gravity of the situation as the couple waited for safety.

"They called in the SWAT team because they didn’t know if he was in the house," the homeowner explained.

Powder Springs Deputy Chief of Police Louis Defense sought to reassure residents that this is unusual for the area.

"The city of Powder Springs is a very safe community this is very abnormal for this particular community," Defense said.

The victims emphasized that the neighborhood has historically been incredibly peaceful, making the violation of their safety feel even more abrupt.

"We never even had a porch pirate before this," the homeowner said.

The homeowners said they hope the police can catch the suspect soon.

"Maybe next time if he does it – is the gun going to go off on a person you know that’s our main concern that it doesn’t happen to someone else plus it really was terrifying," the homeowner said.

SWAT team assists in search

The backstory:

The call led to a large police presence in the neighborhood as officers searched for the potential suspect.

Cobb County's SWAT Team responded to assist Powder Springs police, and investigators later reviewed Ring camera footage that reportedly captured the suspect.

Authorities have not released the video publicly at this time.

Investigation continues

What's next:

Police said the potential intruder was wearing a black ski mask and otherwise appeared to be dressed in regular clothing.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and search for the individual.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Powder Springs Police Department.

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