Officials say Anthony Anselmo Ottaviano, 36, was not only dressed in a fake shirt that said 'K9 Handler', but that he dressed up his dog and his car in fake tactical gear in order to disguise himself as a law enforcement officer
However he was then caught attempting to burglarize the home of two off-duty Palm Bay police officers on Sunday night in his elaborate outfit, Fox 35 reported.
Ottaviano arrived at the house in a White Chevrolet Impala that had strobe lights built in to the dashboard and roof, as well as specialty decals indicating it was a K-9 unit vehicle.
He drove into the driveway of the home with the lights flashing, and got out of his vehicle with his dog, which was wearing a tactical style vest and leash.
It is unclear whether he knew it was the home of two police officers he was trying to get into, however police at the scene said he walked past two marked Palm Bay police cars to get to the front door.
The officers inside did not open the door after Ottaviano refused to formally identify himself, and they called 911.
'They immediately identified themselves as Palm Bay police officers, what's your intent? They looked outside and the guy was dressed in police tactical gear, he had a canine with him,' Lt. Mike Bandish with the Palm Bay police department told WFTV 9.
'They were a little bit concerned.'
The officers inside were torn as to whether they were ignoring a real officer or staving off a phony.
When the officer inside the home further questioned Ottaviano, he said he worked for Homeland Security.
Police soon arrived at the house and detained Ottaviano, soon determining he was not a cop.
Ottaviano did not have any weapons on him, but he was arrested for attempted burglary and impersonating an officer during the commission of a felony.
However the incident has puzzled police, who do not know why he was trying to enter the house.
When questioned by investigators, Ottaviano did not give a reason for going to the officer’s home, police said.
According to WFTV, Ottaviano is a licensed paramedic with Sunstar Paramedics in Pinellas. He has been suspended from work, pending an investigation.
Ottavian told a judge during court Monday, this was all a misunderstanding.
Ottaviano was given a $20,000 bond by the judge. He remains in the Brevard County jail.
The dog was place in the care of Ottaviano's roommate.
Anyone with information about this or similar crimes involving this suspect is asked to contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456 option 1, or the Central Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Callers can remain anonymous and can be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
(Daily Mail - June 22, 2016)
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