HARRISBURG, PA – A man wearing what looked like a policeman’s uniform robbed several individuals in Harrisburg on Mother’s Day, police reported today.
According to police, on Sunday, at about 4:00 am, Harrisburg Police Department officers were waved down by individuals in the area of North 7th and Maclay Streets for a report of a robbery.
“Upon making contact with the individuals it was learned that they had just been robbed by a male wearing a Police style uniform. A description of the vehicle was provided to officers in the area, and the suspect vehicle was located a short time later,” police said in a statement. “The suspect, later identified as Rancel Penalver, was located with the suspect vehicle. Penalver was wearing a uniform, with external body armor, loaded pistol magazines, pepper spray, handcuffs, a badge, and markings on the body armor stating “Fugitive Recovery Agent”. Penalver was also in possession of an airsoft pistol, that had the resemblance of a real pistol.”
A police report released by the department said the victims stated that Penalver had stopped and detained them, and had taken a large amount of money from one of the victims.
Officers used video evidence to confirm the events that took place. Penalver was taken into custody for Robbery, Impersonating a Public Servant, Unlawful Restraint, Unlawful Possession of Body Armor (used in the commission of a criminal act), and Simple Assault. A large amount of money was recovered from Penalver upon his arrest.