Coral Gables police are searching for a man who robbed and exposed himself to a woman, all while impersonating a police officer Sunday.
At around 5:11 a.m., a woman walking at the 4000 block of Aurora Street was approached by a man impersonating a law enforcement officer, police say.
"That male stated to her that he did have a gun, he patted her down and while doing so he exposed his genitals," said Lauren Poole, Coral Gables Police officer.
Seconds later, the man forcibly took the victim's property. Authorities say she was able to runaway, and the police impersonator then fled on a longboard skateboard.
"If somebody states that they are a police officer or law enforcement officer, whatever they may tell you, by law we need to carry our credentials on ourselves and provide that to you," said Poole.
Women in the neighborhood say this is a first for this area and are surprised someone would pretend to be an officer and then go on to commit more crimes.
"It's scary, we always tell our ladies not to walk around by themselves," said Vera, a local business owner.
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Police believe the thief is 25-35 years old, between 5 foot 8 and 5 foot 10, he has a muscular build and shoulder length brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black baseball hat, black crew neck T-shirt, camouflage cargo shorts and black sneakers, wearing a two-tone backpack.
The unidentified man faces charges of strong arm robbery, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and indecent exposure.
Detectives are investigating and are asking for the public’s help in identifying this subject. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coral Gables Police Department at 305-442-1600 or Crimestoppers at 305-471-8477 (TIPS).
