Phony Security Guard Had Stockpile Of Police Gear, Cops Say

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The discovery of a stockpile of police gear during an investigation into allegations that a man was illegally impersonating a security guard has St. Petersburg Police officers looking for more potential victims.

The investigation into Hai “Harry” Hoang's alleged illegal activity began a few months back when detectives received a tip. The tipster said Hoang was passing himself off as a security guard without having the proper licensing and credentials.

A two-month investigation into the tip resulted in Hoang's Tuesday, March 7 arrest, police announced in an email Wednesday. He currently faces impersonation of a watchman, carrying a weapon while committing a felony and carrying a firearm while committing a felony charges.

Police confirmed that “Hoang has none of the necessary licensed required to work as a security guard.”

While charges related to the security guard claims have been filed, the police department said detectives happened to turn up quite a treasure trove of police gear during the investigation that has raised other concerns.

“Dozens of police radios, uniforms, vests, rank insignias, badges, fake weapons, real weapons, tasers” and more were found in the home he shares with his parents on 58th Avenue North, the email added.

"We have reason to believe he may have falsely represented himself as a law enforcement officer," the email said. "We would like to speak with anyone who was stopped by Hoang." They’re also asking anyone who hired Hoang, “thinking he was legitimate security,” to come forward.

People with information in the case are asked to contact the police department at 727-893-7780.

Hoang was booked into the Pinellas County Jail Tuesday and later released in lieu of $150,000 bond, jail records indicate.

Booking photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department