LABELLE  -- A pawn shop in LaBelle was robbed on Wednesday by a man impersonating a law enforcement officer.

The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a robbery call on the morning of Wednesday, May 19,  at Capital Pawn on Hickpochee Avenue. The suspect got away with stolen guns and some other items from the shop. The investigation has become a federal case with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms now leading the investigation.

The nearby schools went on lockdown immediately after the call was received, leaving many parents worried and wondering what had happened. Many began posting on social media, concerned for their children, asking if anyone knew what had happened.

According to HCSO, an unknown white or Hispanic male entered the pawn shop dressed in a law enforcement uniform.  The suspect had a badge and gun holster, and was impersonating a law enforcement officer. It has not yet been made clear if the suspect was armed when initially entering the pawn shop.

Upon entering  the store, the suspect gave orders to employees and customers and then tied them up. Then, he began to rob the store. After grabbing an unknown amount of items, he fled the scene.

All of the serial numbers on the known stolen guns have been flagged in a national database.

While the victims involved were visibly shaken, there were no reported injuries.

HCSO and ATF are working together on the investigation, hoping to quickly identify the suspect and make an arrest.

“We do not believe the public is in danger of any harm,” Sheriff Steve Whidden stated.