Man accused of impersonating officer in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A Kissimmee man was arrested on charges of impersonating a police officer Thursday, police said.

Police said that on Wednesday night, the victim heard a knock on his door and heard a man calling his name.  When the victim looked outside, he said he saw an unknown Hispanic male dressed in a black suit wearing a radio ear piece that was similar to the type worn by law enforcement officers.

Police said when the victim opened the door, Abdiel Mendez, 32, identified himself as a police officer.  When the victim asked to see credentials, Mendez displayed a gold badge that was inside of a folding wallet.

The victim, believing Mendez was an officer, invited him into the apartment.

Police said when Mendez was acting suspiciously, the victim again asked to see his credentials, and that's when Mendez displayed a handgun.

Authorities said the victim told Mendez he was calling the police, and that's when Mendez fled the scene.

Kissimmee police officers said they found Mendez as he was fleeing the Chelsea Square complex.  The victim identified Mendez as the person who identified himself as a police officer.

Police said Mendez cooperated with the officers and stated he went to the victim's residence to collect rent money that was owed to Mendez's father.

Officers said they recovered the gun and the gold badge in a wallet from Mendez.  The badge had "concealed weapon" on the top and "Permit" on the bottom.

Officers also recovered a two-way radio with an ear piece.

Mendez was arrested on charges of falsely impersonating an officer.

Mendez was also found to be carrying a concealed firearm while falsely stating that he was a police officer and possession of a concealed weapon in the commission of a felony.

Mendez was transported to the Osceola County Jail where he is being held on $3,500 bail.

WFTV