Sandy MaloneWashington, DC – The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) arrested a man for impersonating a police officer near the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday after they found him carrying a large stash of knives.
Authorities said that the suspect – 37-year-old Max Eli Viner – had been previously identified as wanted for questioning by Secret Service, FOX News reported.
So, when U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) encountered Viner on Jan. 31 near the U.S. Capitol complex, they quickly reported him to that law enforcement agency.
USSS officers responded to the scene and searched Viner and his vehicle that was parked nearby.
Officers found Viner was carrying a stash of blades that included knives and a chainsaw blade on his person, FOX News reported.
USCP, USSS Capture Suspected Police Impersonator with Stash of Knives: https://t.co/FIANSUgzK8 pic.twitter.com/eGuIsGm0os
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) January 31, 2023
Inside Viner’s SUV that was parked down the street, Secret Service officers found a supply of fake police equipment, shell casings, a smoke grenade, and a gas mask, according to authorities.
“This is another example of how our teams work closely with our partner law enforcement agencies to keep everyone safe,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said in a statement after Viner was taken into custody. “These partnerships are critical.”
Authorities have not specified why the Secret Service wanted to question Viner, Politico reported.
“We thank the U.S. Secret Service for their detailed and timely information, and we thank our officers who continue to show their dedication to our critical mission every day,” Chief Manger added.
1) USCP: The United States Capitol Police (USCP) caught a suspected police impersonator with a stash of knives on Monday after receiving a tip from the United States Secret Service (USSS).
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 31, 2023
3) USCP: Officers with the USSS Uniformed Division first spotted the suspect a few minutes earlier near Constitution Avenue and 15th Street.
USCP officers searched the suspect and found multiple knifes on him as well as a chain saw blade.— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 31, 2023
5) USCP: The suspect, 37 year old Max Eli Viner, was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service. Charges for Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon within the District of Columbia are pending.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 31, 2023
Viner was arrested and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and possession of a prohibited weapon within the District of Columbia, FOX News reported.
Holly Matkin
