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St. Petersburg man accused of impersonating security guard

 
St. Petersburg police arrested Hai "Harry" Hoang, 28, on charges of false impersonation of a watchman, possession of a weapon while committing a felony and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. [Courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
St. Petersburg police arrested Hai "Harry" Hoang, 28, on charges of false impersonation of a watchman, possession of a weapon while committing a felony and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. [Courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]
Published March 9, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — A cache of weapons — real and fake — and a slew of police equipment and uniforms were seized Tuesday when St. Petersburg police said they arrested Hai "Harry" Hoang following a tip that he was illegally impersonating a security guard.

Hoang, 28, was arrested on charges of false impersonation of a watchman, possession of a weapon while committing a felony and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. He was booked into the county jail, where he was freed Wednesday after posting $150,000 bond.

Police said he had "none of the necessary licenses required to work as a security guard" yet found "dozens of police radios, uniforms, vests, rank insignias, badges" along with real and fake weapons at his residence in the 3500 block of 58th Avenue N.

It wasn't the first time Hoang has faced allegations of impersonating a security guard or police officer. He has faced similar charges in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In some cases the charges were dropped, records show, and in others he pled no contest and was sentenced to probation.

St. Petersburg police want to speak to anyone who was stopped by Hoang or hired him as a security guard. Anyone with infromation should call (727) 893-7780 or text "SPPD tip" to tip411.