A Florida man flashed a fake gun and badge and demanded free fast food at a McDonald's drive-thru in St. Petersburg, authorities said.
Joseph Pineda, 33, told employees Friday that he deserved free food, had just come from a sting and didn't have his wallet, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Workers called the police. Pineda, of Pinellas Park, initially ignored commands to show his hands but eventually surrendered at gunpoint, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said they found two fake police badges and a handgun in the center console of his car.
The 33-year-old was charged with impersonating a police officer and improper exhibition of a firearm. He was being held on $10,500 bond in the Pinellas County Jail Saturday, according to online jail records, which did not indicate whether he has an attorney.
Florida Cop Impersonator Demanded Free Fast Food at McDonald's: Authorities
Joseph Pineda said he had just come from a sting and didn't have his wallet: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Copyright AP - Associated Press
