Man posing as Philadelphia firefighter steals from Popeyes

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are searching for a man who impersonated a Philadelphia firefighter and made off with close to $500 from a fast food restaurant.

Police say last Friday around 6 p.m., a man entered the Popeyes Chicken located on the 300 block of West Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia.

The man stated he was a fireman from Ladder #1 and explained to the manager he was there to switch out fire extinguishers.

The suspect was granted permission by the manager and general manager to update the extinguishers.

The suspect then gave the manager two invoices for a total of $476.

After being paid, police say the suspect stated he had to retrieve tools from his vehicle and fled the location.

The suspect is described as white male, 5'10, stocky build, early to mid-40s, wearing a black polo shirt, and faded blue jeans.

Anyone with information should call East Detective Division at 215-686-3243/3244.