By Jenna Wise
Source pennlive.com
An armed man donned a police-style uniform Sunday, detained people in Harrisburg and stole a large amount of money from them, authorities said.
Harrisburg police said they were flagged down around 4 a.m. in the area of North 7th and Maclay streets by people who said they had just been robbed by a man in uniform.
The alleged victims gave police a description of the vehicle the man was driving. Police said officers found it a short time later, along with 47-year-old Rancel D. Penalver, of Harrisburg.
Penalver was wearing a uniform labeled “Fugitive Recovery Agent,” police said. He was also wearing external body armor, and carrying loaded pistol magazines, pepper spray, handcuffs and a badge, according to police. He also reportedly had an airsoft pistol that looked like a real pistol.
Police said Penalver had a large, unspecified amount of cash on him from one of the people involved in the incident at North 7th and Maclay.
Surveillance footage near the intersection helped investigators determine what happened and arrest Penalver, police said.
Penalver is charged with robbery, impersonating a public servant, unlawful restraint, unlawful possession of body armor and simple assault.
Court records show Penalver’s bail was set at $25,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 23 in front of Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight.
Anyone with information is asked to call Harrisburg police at 717-558-6900, or submit a tip through CrimeWatch.
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