Fake Cop Busted After South Florida Gas Station Bathroom Break

Miami-Dade, FL - A 40-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer to rob a victim.

According to Miami-Dade police, the robbery occurred around noon on Saturday when the suspect, identified as Herbert Elijah Thompson, approached a victim's home, claiming to be conducting an investigation.

Thompson was armed with a gun, wearing a tactical vest, BDU pants, and a gold police badge.

Thompson told the victim he needed to take him to the police station for questioning.

The victim complied and sat in the back of Thompson's vehicle.

Thompson later pulled the vehicle over, claiming he needed to pat down the victim, during which he took the victim's cellphone and wallet.

Thompson then ordered the victim back into the car.

Shortly after, the victim requested to use the restroom, citing an upset stomach.

Thompson stopped at a Sunflex gas station on 1330 SW 57th Avenue, escorting the victim to the convenience store before instructing him to go inside alone.

When the victim returned, Thompson had vanished, prompting the victim to call the police.

Surveillance footage from the gas station corroborated the victim's account.

Additionally, Thompson used the victim's credit card at a Burger King on Sunday, with his car captured on surveillance video at the fast food restaurant.

The victim and a witness identified Thompson in a photo lineup.

Police located and pulled Thompson over around 7:40 p.m. on Sunday near Northwest 88th Street and 17th Avenue.

Although he initially escaped from the back of a police car, he was soon recaptured with assistance from the MDPD air unit and a K9 unit.

Thompson was bitten by the K9 and treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

He was booked into the Miami-Dade County Pre-Trial Detention Center on Monday, facing charges of falsely impersonating an officer while committing a felony, kidnapping, armed robbery, and battery.