Authorities said they took what appear to be several cop impersonators into custody Monday at a Southwest Miami-Dade park.
Undercover police officers took the impersonators into custody after a traffic stop at Concord Park at Southwest 32nd Street and 114th Avenue, officials said.
"There were five subjects inside the vehicle when we made the stop," said Major Jesus Ramirez. "We have found possible police paraphernalia inside and that's what we're looking into."
Ramirez said the investigation is still in its early stages. It's unclear what the subjects planned to do with the police paraphernalia, which included weapons. Robbery detectives will take over the investigation.
Witnesses said watching the scene unfold was unnerving.
"We were just playing basketball and all of a sudden you see in the distance a whole bunch of people, cops coming out with their guns," witness Julio Torres said.
Others said it has made them wary of anyone claiming to be a police officer.
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"It's scary that we don't know who the good guys are or the bad guys, especially if they're dressed like the good guys," neighbor Julian Rivas said.
Sandra Lopez, a mom who was at the park with her children at the time, said one of the handcuffed men was wearing a T-shirt with the word "police" on the back.
Though parents felt uneasy to see the police activity in an otherwise quiet and safe family park, residents and homeowners said they are relieved the good guys may have helped put away their imposters.
"It feels good at least those guys are off the street," Rivas said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
