Police: Missing Man Could Be Living in Woods

Police are looking into the circumstances leading up to the disappearance of a Gwinnett County man who apparently had fallen on hard times.

Lilburn Police said Paul Rouk, 52, has been missing since he left a note at his Sheila Court residence in mid-August, saying he had gone out of town on a business trip. His family reported him missing last month.

Police said Rouk may be living in a wooded area near Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn.

“Rouk was unemployed and going through a divorce. He left his car at his residence, and the house fell into foreclosure,” police said in a statement. “A search of the residence located a brand new empty Ruger 1911 pistol box and a note on an iPad that had a list of things to do before leaving, to include shutting off the gas to the house, changing his life insurance, and hiding his car keys.”

Police said it first appeared that Rouk may have left to commit suicide, but a recent search of the large wooded area behind his foreclosed house found evidence of recent activity at an encampment. One item found was a bookmark with Rouk’s name on it.

The wooded area backs up to Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn, between Killian Hill and Arcado roads.

“There is the likelihood that Rouk is living in the wooded area and may frequent his vacant house at 4483 Sheila Court and/or the businesses along Lawrenceville Highway [near the U.S. Post Office],” police said.

Rouk is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds, brown/gray hair, green eyes. Rouk’s appearance may be that of a homeless person (unclean, beard, long hair, and dirty clothes), police said.

If you make contact with Rouk, contact Det. Ross at 770-638-2182.

Photo: Paul Rouk; Lilburn PD