Reward Offered for Cop Impersonator's Capture

As the search for a man wanted in connection with a recent robbery continues, Crime Stoppers has stepped forward to sweeten the deal for anyone with information that leads to an arrest.

A tip that results in the capture of the man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer on Monday morning while pulling over a man driving on Highway 579 near Clay Pit Road is now worth up to $3,000. Monday’s incident unfolded around 9:55 a.m. when the victim was approached from behind by a dark blue SUV, possibly a Trail Blazer or 4 Runner, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office noted in an email to media.

The suspect flashed a badge and told his victim he was a narcotics officer and had a warrant for the victim’s arrest. The fake cop then proceeded to search the victim’s car, swiping his wallet, cellphone and keys as he did, the email said.

The man wanted in connection with Monday’s robbery may also be responsible for a similar incident in Lakeland on Sunday.

The man deputies are looking for in the Hillsborough case is described as a Hispanic male in his 40s. He is clean shaven, has short hair and is between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches in height. He weighs about 170 pounds and was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans. The man was armed with a chrome or nickel-plated gun in a left-side holster.

Anyone with information about his identity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or text CSTB plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

Image via Shutterstock

See Also:

• Fake Cop Robbed Motorist, Deputies Say
• ‘Shawshank’ Fugitive Leaves Florida for Ohio

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