Lexington Police arrested a man they say impersonated a police officer.

The department announced that Brian Lee Carlson, a 38-year-old from Lexington, is believed to have “unlawfully presented himself as a police officer” June 7 at a gas station located at 500 W Main St.

Carlson was arrested overnight after the department put out announcements July 6 looking for the public's help in finding him. The department credited the Lexington County Sheriff's Department with helping make the arrest.

“Several hours after the [June 7] incident, officers were dispatched to Murphy USA where they met with four victims who stated that a man, who was later identified as Brian Carlson, had been in the store at approximately 11:00 p.m.,” a release states. “He was seen to be openly carrying a handgun, and there was a shiny object that looked like a badge on his belt beside the holstered firearm. “

According to the release, the victims said they were approached by the man identified as Carlson, who accused one of them of stealing a can of beer.

“The victims, who believed the man was a law enforcement officer, complied with the questioning and a search of their vehicle,” the release states. “During this incident, the man had his hand on the holstered handgun, which made the victims feel threatened and that they were not free to leave. After the vehicle was searched and no stolen beer was found, the man told the victims they could leave.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.