Lumberton man arrested for impersonating officer and serial armed robberies
LUMBERTON (WRAL) — The Lumberton Police Department has arrested and charged a man in connection with a series of armed robberies and impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Bryant Layvon Hawthorne, 49, is accused of targeting businesses in the Lumberton area and demanding money.
Here is a timeline of the incidents:
- September 13: Smoke City (3215 Fayetteville Road) – The suspect entered the store with a gun and a badge, claiming to be an Alcohol Law Enforcement agent. He stole money and fled in a dark-colored Jeep.
- October 17: Walgreens (3003 Fayetteville Road) – The suspect grabbed the cash register and fled in a dark-colored Jeep.
- October 22: Smoke City (3215 Fayetteville Road) – The suspect pulled out a firearm and demanded money. He received the money and fled in a dark-colored Jeep.
- November 6: Lion’s Den (3525 Lackey Street) – The suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded money. He fled in a dark-colored Jeep.
- November 20: Brandon’s Quick Check (1925 E. 5th Street) – The suspect impersonated a law enforcement officer and left before police arrived. He was driving a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee.
Apprehension of Suspect:
Lumberton Police officers located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to pull him over. The suspect refused to stop and crashed into a parked vehicle on Carver Street. He then fled on foot but was apprehended after a short pursuit.
Hawthorne faces the following charges:
- Two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of second-degree kidnapping
- Impersonating a law enforcement officer
- Two counts of misdemeanor theft, felony theft, injury to personal property, resisting public officer
- Felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle
Hawthorne is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center.
