Duluth man charged with armed robbery, impersonating an officer

LAWRENCEVILLE - A man charged with armed robbery in a pharmacy hold-up in Lawrenceville Tuesday many be responsible for other crimes in Gwinnett and Forsyth counties.

Matthew Buddin, 33, of Duluth was arrested Wednesday just after 1 p.m., according to an email statement from the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Buddin is believed to be responsible for an armed robbery that took place Tuesday at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 1545 Lawrenceville Highway in unincorporated Lawrenceville. During the hold-up, Buddin allegedly brandished a handgun and ordered employees to the ground. He took a few bottles of pills from the pharmacy and then fled the scene on a motorcycle, according to authorities.

An officer apparently spotted the motorcycle Wednesday and tried to stop the driver, who fled the scene. That same motorcycle was located at River Summit Trail in Duluth. Buddin attempted to run from the scene, but he was caught by officers.

Currently, Buddin faces a long list of charges in Gwinnett County, including armed robbery, impersonating an officer and a long list of traffic offenses.

In addition, Gwinnett authorities said other jurisdictions [the Lawrenceville Police Department, the Duluth Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office] are investigation Buddin for impersonation of a police officer during commission of several crimes. They said Buddin displayed a Gwinnett County police badge and a holstered handgun at the time.

So far, no charges have been filed in other jurisdictions.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/5/274957