Bradenton man accused of impersonating law enforcement officer

SARASOTA, Fla. A 55-year-old man was arrested Monday after he allegedly robbed a woman while posing as a law enforcement officer, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.

Felix Alling-Montenegro, of Lake Bayshore Drive in Bradenton, first approached the victim on Sunday when he followed her home, deputies said. Fearing for her safety, the victim drove down the street where Montenegro blocked her vehicle, making it impossible for her to get away.

He then slammed his hands on the victim’s car and displayed an identification card with a star on it, as well as a pair of handcuffs. The suspect reached into the victim’s car, attacked her and stole her cell phone before fleeing, according to deputies.

As the sheriff’s office began their investigation, the victim explained to deputies that she recognized Montenegro as a patron at her business, who occasionally told employees he was a police officer. Detectives later linked the fingerprints found on the victim’s car to Montenegro.

Montenegro was taken transported to the Sarasota County Jail where he faces charges of robbery, tampering with a victim and false impersonation of a law enforcement officer.

He is being held without bond.