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Homeless Man Chases and Tackles Car Thief Who Posed as Police Officer

The carjacker allegedly wore unofficial police gear and flashed a fake badge to intimidate victims to steal their cars.

A homeless man chased and tackled a carjacker who posed as an officer until officials were able to arrest the thief in Bell Gardens.

The carjacker allegedly wore unofficial police gear and flashed a fake badge to intimidate victims to steal their cars, according to Lt. Salvador Becerra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Victims of the thief recognized their car for sale on Craigslist and set up a meeting with the carjacker in hopes of capturing him.

After the victims were able to confirm the vehicle was theirs, they contacted authorities.

Officials say citizens have the right to ask questions if they believe they are dealing with an imposter police officer.

"All cops are required to have credentials on them all times," Becerra said. "If that doesn't work, ask to speak to a supervisor."

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