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Man Accused Of Impersonating FBI Agent Facing Charges

BETHEL PARK (KDKA) -- There were some scary moments for bar patrons in Bethel Park recently when a man now charged with impersonating an FBI agent told a bartender someone was going to come into the establishment with a weapon.

Joseph Liparulo, 21, of Bethel Park, was arraigned overnight and is facing a list of charges including making terroristic threats.

On Monday night, the customers inside Helmet Heads, located on Library Road, were forced into the parking lot. Allegedly, Liparulo had identified himself to the bartender as an FBI agent.

According to the criminal complaint, Liparulo is accused of saying that he knew that the bartender was serving people under the age of 21, adding that she should watch out because police would be back to bust them.

The bartender, identified by officials as Tracy Barker, said that Liparulo then stated that someone would be back at 9 p.m. with an AK-47.

Authorities say that prompted Barker to call police and close the bar. She also said that Liparulo had made previous claims to another bartender about being an FBI agent.

Police say they were able to track down Liparulo from the credit card he used to pay for the drinks he had at Helmet Heads that night.

Bethel Park police waited for Liparulo at his home, patting him down as he pulled into the driveway. They did not find any weapons.

Liparulo's father spoke with KDKA's Heather Abraham about the issue off camera.

He said that his son knew some of the people who were at the bar, and knew that they were under 21 and wanted the bartender to stop serving them. He also reportedly admitted to his father and police that he did identify himself as an FBI agent, but denied any allegation of threatening the bartender.

Liparulo is facing charges of making terroristic threats, impersonating a public servant and disorderly conduct.

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