Police have arrested a man who was dressed as a police officer and claimed to be a special investigator while allegedly shoplifting at a local retail store.
Leicester police say the 53-year-old Kevin Whitney of Worcester claimed he was a "Special State Police Investigator" when confronted by a loss prevention officer. He showed a fake badge on his belt, and the loss prevention officer also saw a BB gun in a holster on the man’s belt.
The man fled the store with $689.47 worth of assorted products in a white SUV, but the loss prevention officer was able to record the license plate number.
The suspect was later pulled over and arrested on Route 9 near Pine Street.
Police recovered a BB gun, two badges, handcuffs and a fake police ID while taking the suspect into custody.
The suspect was charged with shoplifting, impersonating a police officer; carrying a dangerous weapon and 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.
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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.
