COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) - A Coconut Creek community remains on high alert days after, authorities said, two men posing as police officers outside of a Publix supermarket stopped and frisked a man.
According to Coconut Creek Police, the subjects approached 24-year-old Jessie Amick as he was walking home from the Publix along the 4700 block of Hillsboro Boulevard, Thursday night.
The victim told detectives two males dressed in all black got out of a black Crown Victoria with blacked out windows, a spot light and a push bar on the front bumper.
“He said he was walking home from a grocery store in the area,” said Coconut Creek Police Sgt. Kevin Valade.
Amick said one of the subjects frisked him and then took his photo ID card. He said they then checked the ID inside of the Crown Victoria, gave it back to him and told him he could go.
When the victim asked for the duo’s names and badge numbers, he said they refused to give the information to him.
Saturday afternoon, shoppers at the Publix were shocked by the suspected impostors’ actions.
“It would be like posing as a doctor. It would be like posing as a practicing lawyer without a license,” said area resident Ross Fallacaro.
Officials said the subjects stand around 5 feet 10 inches tall and have medium builds. They were wearing black vests and duty holsters at the time of the incident.
“It makes you wary when you are pulled over,” said area resident Suzanne Grunberg.
“Doing something like that, it’s just out of control,” said Fallacaro.
Coconut Creek Police officials indicated the department does not use any unmarked black Crown Victorias at this time. Moreover, officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers when asked, whether in uniform or working in plain clothes.
However, Grunberg said incidents like this are rare in this neighborhood. “This is a relatively safe area,” she said.
As police continue to search for these men pretending to protect and serve, shoppers said they want them caught and cuff.
“They definitely deserve jail time,” said Fallacaro.
If you have any information about these men’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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