A Worcester man is facing charges after police say he impersonated an officer during a shoplifting incident at Wal-Mart.
Officials say police were called to the store Monday afternoon on Route 9 in Leicester for a report of a shoplifting in progress.
In a subsequent traffic stop on Route 9 East, a man told police he was a special investigator with the Massachusetts State Police. The man appeared to have a handgun on his belt, which was later determined to be a BB gun replica of a semi-automatic weapon.
Police say Kevin Whitney, 53, of Worcester, stole a truckload of items from the Wal-Mart, which totaled $700. He was also found with a badge and handcuffs. Prosecutors say Whitney is not a real officer but instead a crook.
“It tears right at the fabric of your integrity,” Chief Jim Hurley said of the disturbing arrest.
Whitney is charged with shoplifting, impersonating a police officer, witness intimidation, and carrying a dangerous weapon.
Whitney was released on $200 bail and was arraigned Wednesday morning in East Brookfield district court.
Leicester Police have sent an alert out to other departments to see if Whitney is tied to other incidents in the area.
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