A Lawrenceville man is jailed on numerous charges after police say he attacked a real estate agent showing him a home Wednesday morning.

The victim waited outside the house on Sugarloaf Parkway while Jeffrey Shumate, who was wearing a wig and women’s clothing, went inside to look around.

But once outside, police say he grabbed the woman on the porch and began beating her.  She was able to free herself and flag down a motorist for help.

Based on her description of Shumate, his vehicle and a partial tag number, Gwinnett Police were able to find Shumate and bring him in for questioning.

He’s been charged with aggravated assault, battery, and false imprisonment.  He’s also being held for other police agencies.

Mary Crowder lives in the house next door and is concerned for her small children.

“It’s scary to think that that can happen right next door to where you live,” she tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.

Angie Epstein, a real estate agent for Virtual Properties Realty, doesn't know the victim but says she always takes precautions when showing a home to someone she doesn’t know.

B

“I usually carry pepper spray; I go ahead and program 911 into my phone and have that with me at all times; and also having your keys with you with that panic button is a great option as well,” she says.

Epstein never goes upstairs or into basements with potential buyers that she doesn’t know and makes sure her family is aware of when she’s showing a home and the address.

“If somebody looks like they’re more interested in you than the actual property, you want to take precautions,” she says.