Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested two men after a single day of robberies in which the suspects allegedly pretended to be law enforcement officers, the agency said. Both face charges of strong-arm robbery and falsely impersonating an officer.
The first incident happened at about 2:38 a.m. on Oct. 19 near Cresthaven Boulevard and Military Trail. Detectives said a dark pickup truck with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stickers pulled up beside a cyclist on an electric bicycle. The occupants demanded his identification, passport and citizenship status. When he questioned them, one suspect grabbed a gold chain from his neck and fled after a brief struggle.
About five hours later, at roughly 7:20 a.m., a man approached a female commuter at a bus stop near South Military Trail and Summit Boulevard. He suggested he had a handgun, took a gold necklace from her neck and drove off.
The third robbery was reported at about 9:06 p.m. in the 4000 block of Roberts Way. Detectives said the suspects forced a rider off an electric scooter, knocked him to the pavement and took the scooter. After an onlooker intervened, the suspects claimed to be police and drove away in the truck.
Deputies found the truck parked in the 2600 block of Saginaw Avenue with the two men inside. Victims identified them, and detectives later served a search warrant on the truck and recovered stolen property and other evidence.
Investigators believe there may be more victims who have not come forward. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip through the PBSO mobile app.
