Manhunt for man posing as Houston officer goes national
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Last night, we told you about a fake cop who has hit up at least half a dozen pharmacies for very powerful painkillers.
Now, the manhunt for a Houston police impersonator possibly tied to Hurricane Harvey looting is going national.
There they were on ABC's World News Tonight, the images from the latest robberies at two Walgreens stores near the Harris County/Montgomery County Line.
Investigators said the phony officer has been at it since September, wearing a hat or t-shirt with the word "police" on them to gain the trust of store employees.
He then demands controlled medications like hydrocodone and Oxycontin and threatens violence if the employees do not comply, according to officers.
While no one has been hurt, the Harris County Sheriff's Office is concerned he is moving towards violence. Lately, he's been wearing a bulletproof vest and has told victims he has "nothing to lose," says investigators.
Investigators believe he's hit pharmacies in Friendswood, Missouri City, Houston, Harris County and Montgomery County.
A witness told authorities he's the same guy who pretended to be a police officer during Hurricane Harvey and told people to leave their homes when they didn't need to. Looting may have been a motive then.
The robber has a large star tattoo on the right side of his neck. Monday night, he had it covered with a bandage. He is considered dangerous.
Authorities are warning the public and other agencies to "exercise extreme caution," if he's spotted.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office robbery division is working to identify him.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 713-274-9200 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A $5,000 reward for good information is being offered.
You can also submit an anonymous tip at www.crime-stoppers.org.
