Worcester Man Impersonates Cop, Shoplifts At Leicester Store

WORCESTER, MA — A 53-year-old Worcester resident was arrested after he impersonated a police officer and then made off with nearly $700 of items in a Leicester store, say police.

The man told the store's loss prevention officer that he was a special state police investigator, and proceeded to show him a badge on his belt. The loss prevention officer also saw what he thought was a firearm in a holster on the man’s belt.

The man fled the store with $689.47 worth assorted merchandise and got into a vehicle in the parking lot, leaving in the white SUV up Route 9. Leicester police stopped him traveling east near Pine Street.

While taking the suspect into custody Officer Derrick Ruth recovered a BB gun the man was carrying in a holster on his belt, two badges, handcuffs and a fake police ID. The man has been charged with:

1. Shoplifting;
2. Impersonating a police officer;
3. Carrying a dangerous weapon;
4. Witness intimidation;

He was released from the Leicester Police Department on $200 bail and is scheduled to appear in the East Brookfield District Court on Wednesday morning. The matter remains under investigation and the Leicester Police are working with other departments to see if the suspect is linked to any other criminal activity. Officer Ruth was assisted during the arrest by Officer Scot Brooks and Sgt. Paul Doray.

Photos via Leicester police