Capitol Police arrest alleged police impersonator with stash of knives

Capitol Police arrested a man Monday evening near the Hill accused of impersonating law enforcement and possessing multiple weapons.

Secret Service had already wanted to question the suspect, identified by authorities as 37-year-old Max Eli Viner, when Capitol Police spotted him near the building Monday evening, according to a Tuesday release from the department. When he was searched, Capitol Police officers found multiple knives with him and a chain saw blade.

Secret Service officers arrived later and searched Viner’s vehicle, where they found fake police equipment, shell casings, a smoke grenade and a gas mask. The release did not specify why Secret Service wanted to question him.