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Officials: Police impersonator captured

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga — Matthew Buddhin, who police say impersonated a police officer, was captured Wednesday afternoon.

Police say an officer spotted a motorcycle associated with Buddhin, 33, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver fled. Police weren’t able to catch the motorcycle, but began searching for addresses associated with Buddhin and found the motorcycle and Buddhin a short time later. Buddhin attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended, police say.

Police say Buddhin is also charged with armed robbery. Tuesday he allegedly entered a Rite Aid, approached the pharmacy counter and demanded Xanax and Tramadol. Witnesses say he produced a handgun and ordered the employees to the ground.

Several other agencies have cases against Buddin, including the Lawrenceville Police Department, the Duluth Police Department, and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Police say in multiple cases Buddin presented a Gwinnett County police badge, along with a handgun holstered on his belt, claiming to be a police officer.  Investigation into this and several other cases is ongoing.

Police say Buddhin will be transported to the Gwinnett County Detention Center later Wednesday evening.