Man Poses as Cop to Get Free McDonald's Meal

A St. Petersburg man who told McDonald's employees that he was a police officer Friday flashed a gun and badge in order to get a free meal, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department.

Joseph Pineda, 33, was arrested for impersonating an officer and improper exhibition of a firearm, after deputies were summoned to the restaurant by workers who called 911.

Deputies found Pineda idling his vehicle in the McDonald's parking lot, 5464 66th Street North. He was waiting for his free food. Instead the two McDonald's employees had frantically called police.

The incident occurred at about 1:43 p.m. on Friday, when Pineda placed his
order at the drive-thru speaker. When Pineda was told the cost, he said he was a police officer who did not have his wallet, because he had just come from an undercover operation. He flashed a badge and a gun.

Employees called 911. Deputies found Pineda inside his vehicle. He had pulled forward in the drive thru lane expecting his meal.

Deputies ordered Pineda to show his hands. When he did not they "challenged the subject at gunpoint, at which time he put his hands out of the window." Deputies arrested Pinead and found two badges and a gun in the center console.