Police: Cop impersonator demanded free fast food

Published 10:56 am Monday, October 8, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Authorities in Florida say a man flashed a fake gun and badge and demanded free fast food at a McDonald’s drive-thru.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say Joseph Pineda told employees Friday that he deserved free food, had just come from a sting and didn’t have his wallet.

Workers called the police. Pineda initially ignored commands to show his hands but eventually surrendered at gunpoint.

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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 in the Pinellas County Jail. Online jail records did not indicate whether he had an attorney.