BUFORD - The search for a Buford-area bank robber who robbed a BB&T bank Monday afternoon has ended after the suspect turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening.
According to Cpl. Michelle Pihera with the Gwinnett County Police Department, 30-year-old Sugar Hill resident Joshua Henry Harbin was initially arrested by Atlanta police. He has been charged with one count of Robbery in the case.
Pihera said Harbin made the decision to turn himself in after seeing extensive media coverage of the crime.
"The suspect told our lead investigator that he heard about the case and the specifics around the robbery at the BB&T in Buford," she said. "And when he heard it on the radio, at that point, he notified an ordinary citizen in the city of Atlanta and told her to call the police department because he had some sort of involvement in the bank robbery."
Pihera said the unnamed individual contacted the Atlanta Police Department, who then arrested and questioned the suspect. She said Atlanta officers then arranged a meeting with authorities in Gwinnett County.
"Together they met at our west precinct so the lead investigator could conduct an interview with the suspect," she continued.
Pihera said Harbin, who she described as "very cooperative," was booked into the Gwinnett Count Jail.
The investigation in the case is ongoing at this time.
The previous version of the story has been included below:
BUFORD — Gwinnett County police are looking for a man who robbed a branch of BB&T bank with a demand note that said "Merry Christmas."
Police Cpl. Michele Pihera said the suspect entered the bank branch at 4394 Buford Drive in Buford just after 12:30 p.m. Monday.
She said tellers told officers that the suspect entered the bank from the door at the rear of the business; he waited in line before approaching the teller. The suspect then gave the teller a note demanding cash. She complied, and the suspect exited the bank through the rear door of the building, according to police.
Pihera said the suspect never presented a weapon or indicated he had a weapon.
"He remained completely quiet," said Pihera. "He did not say anything...all he did was pass the demand note to her."
The suspect is described as a white male, between 35 and 45 years of age, between 5'6" and 5'9" in height. Pihera said the suspect had a beard and was wearing glasses. He was wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie, a blue hat and white gloves with black tips.
Gwinnett police are asking anyone with information on the suspect to contact the Gwinnett PD Robbery Unit at 770 513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
