Man charged with impersonating officer after stealing beer

A Hot Springs man allegedly flashed a badge and claimed to be an officer with "the state of Garland County" in an attempt to purchase alcohol from a local gas station on Sunday, Hot Springs police say.

When the gas station attendant refused to complete his purchase, he reportedly fled with the alcohol, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Andre Correlle Dunson, 33, who lists a Civic Street address, was arrested in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue just before 9:30 a.m. Sunday and charged with misdemeanor theft of property and misdemeanor second-degree criminal impersonation, both punishable by up to one year in jail.

He received a citation and is set to appear in Garland County District Court on Aug. 28.

According to the affidavit, Brent Scrimshire with the Hot Springs Police Department responded to the Valero gas station, 1306 Albert Pike Road, at around 9 a.m. Sunday in reference to a theft. The employee stated that a man had entered the gas station at around 8:50 a.m. and said he was a law enforcement officer.

The suspect, later identified as Dunson, allegedly told the employee he was going to buy beer, but she advised him that she could not sell alcohol on a Sunday under state law. Dunson then allegedly lifted his shirt to expose a badge and stated, "I'm with the state of Garland County and you will be reimbursed."

The gas station employee said she still refused to sell the alcohol and the suspect then fled on foot with a 12-pack and a 30-pack of beer, valued at around $33. He was reportedly located a short time later in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue.

When questioned by officers, he reportedly admitted to stealing the beer. Officers found a "security enforcement officer" badge on his person and placed it into the property of the police department, the affidavit said. Duson was released on citations.

Local on 08/21/2018

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