Police: Intruder shoots 78-year-old man

ST. MARYS, Ga. – A 78-year-old man is recovering after being shot by someone who broke into his home early Wednesday morning, according to the St. Marys Police Department.

St. Marys firefighters and Camden County EMS personnel were called to a home on Margaret Street near the intersection of Hall Street about 6:30 a.m. and found the man shot. He was taken to the hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his chin. The bullet exited through his neck.

He was released from the hospital later Wednesday and returned home.

The victim confronted an individual, who forced his way into the house and was armed with a handgun, shot the man once, then fled the scene, according to police.

Police describe the gunman as a young black male, about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build and wearing dark clothing.

The Camden County Sheriff's Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation assisted the St. Marys Police Department in processing the crime scene and searching for the gunman.

"You can't predict these things, but I have no reason to believe there is any type of spree going on," St. Marys Police Chief Tim Hatch said. "There is no reason for people to be feeling this is anything other than an isolated incident."

Neighbors said they will start being extra cautious and making sure their doors and cars are locked at all times.

"I hope they find him and catch him, I don't want it to happen again around here anywhere," said Mike Walko, who lives across the street from where shooting happened.

St. Marys police ask that anyone who may know something about this shooting to call 912-729-1442.