Suspect In At Least 2 Dozen Robberies Linked To a Beer Can

[Champ]

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Another reason not to drink on the job. A suspect in at least two dozen Columbus-area armed robberies was arrested after police linked him to a can of beer.

A witness to one home invasion told investigators that the robber was seen carrying an Icehouse beer in a paper bag. Based on that information, investigators looked at surveillance videotapes from nearby convenience stores and saw 25-year-old Mario Demarcus Brundidge buying the beer just 30 minutes before Nov. 9 robbery.

The witness later identified Brundidge out of a lineup, said Columbus Police Maj. Russell Traino.

Brundidge pleaded not guilty Monday to 20 counts of armed robbery, four counts of false imprisonment, three counts of aggravated assault, as well as multiple theft and weapons charges. He was being held without bond at Muscogee County Jail.

Investigators have linked him to at least 24 armed robberies dating back to 2002, and more charges may be filed if they tie him to other cases, Traino said. Police also were looking for five others who may have been Brundidge's accomplices in the robberies.
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