A cop impersonator identified as Max Eli Viner has been arrested by the Capitol Hill police officers.
Max Eli Viner, 37, was arrested on Monday,30th January 2023, after the U.S. Secret Service tipped off Capitol police to the suspect, and an officer on the bicycle response team located him near the corner of Third Street and Madison Drive, and a search found he was carrying multiple knives and a chain saw blade.
Secret Service agents arrived a short time later and searched Viner’s vehicle, where they found fake police equipment, shell casings, a smoke grenade and gas mask inside his Ford Explorer.
According to foxnews.com, the U.S. Secret Service had previously recorded the suspect, Max Eli Viner, as wanted for questioning.
Viner faces charges of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon within the District of Columbia.
The news were shared by a press release from the USCP.
“The United States Capitol Police (USCP) caught a suspected police impersonator with a stash of knives on Monday after receiving a tip from the United States Secret Service (USSS),” reads the release.
“At approximately 6:20 p.m., an officer with the USCP’s Bicycle Response Team noticed a man, who was wanted for questioning by the U.S. Secret Service, near the corner of Third Street and Madison Drive, NW.”
After searching the suspect, police found multiple knives and a chainsaw blade.
“The United States Secret Service quickly arrived on scene, searched the suspect’s SUV, and found fake police equipment.
“This is another example of how our teams work closely with our partner law enforcement agencies to keep everyone safe,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger.
“These partnerships are critical.
“We thank the U.S. Secret Service for their detailed and timely information and we thank our officers who continue to show their dedication to our critical mission every day.”