In Miami-Dade, FL, a man aged 40 has been taken into custody for robbing a victim by pretending to be a law enforcement officer.
Miami-Dade police reported that a robbery took place at approximately noon on Saturday. The suspect, Herbert Elijah Thompson, approached a victim’s home, stating that he was conducting an investigation.
Sporting a gold police badge, Thompson donned a tactical vest, and BDU pants, and brandished a gun. According to the victim, Thompson stated that he had to bring him to the police station for questioning.
Thompson’s vehicle was entered by the victim, who complied by sitting in the back. Afterwards, the vehicle was stopped by Thompson, who alleged that he needed to conduct a patdown on the victim. During this search, Thompson took the victim’s wallet and cellphone.
Thompson then compelled the victim to get back into the car.
The victim soon after asked to use the restroom, explaining that they were experiencing an upset stomach. After arriving at a Sunflex gas station located at 1330 SW 57th Avenue, Thompson accompanied the victim to the convenience store. Once there, he gave the victim instructions to enter the store alone.
The victim called the police when Thompson disappeared upon their return. The surveillance footage from the gas station corroborated the victim’s account.
On Sunday, Thompson was caught on surveillance video at a Burger King using the victim’s credit card. Moreover, his car was also captured in the footage at the fast food restaurant. Through a photo lineup, the victim and a witness were able to identify Thompson.
Around 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, the police were able to locate and pull over Thompson near Northwest 88th Street and 17th Avenue.
After breaking free from the back of a police car, he was quickly apprehended thanks to the MDPD air unit and a K9 unit.
After the K9 bit Thompson, he received treatment at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
On Monday, authorities booked him into the Miami-Dade County Pre-Trial Detention Center. He is facing serious charges, including falsely impersonating an officer while committing a felony, kidnapping, armed robbery, and battery.