Robbery suspects impersonate FBI agents

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Police say two suspects in a Hampton robbery posed as FBI agents, strapped fake bombs on employees and shot a vendor at the Newmarket Square Food Lion Friday morning.

So, 10 On Your Side decided to investigate how easy it is to look like a law enforcement officer.

It turns out, it may be easier than you think to purchase the same clothing as law enforcement. 10 On Your Side found a military surplus store on Mercury Boulevard that sells shirts, badges and other forms of identification.

Store manager Deborah Bowers said anyone can buy shirts and hats with labels like "police," "security" and "border patrol".

But Bowers said customers have to show legal identification cards to purchase weapons, badges and other types of official identification.

Bowers added only the police can issue police badges.

Her store does not carry items labeled "FBI" for fear of impersonation and Bowers said customers don't usually ask for the items either.

She explained most fake "FBI" gear is purchased on the internet, where customers aren't carded.

A Google search for "FBI shirt" produced more than 12,000,000 results.

Impersonating a FBI agent is a federal crime. A local FBI spokesman said real agents carry a credential, a badge and display both before conducting business.