California man arrested for impersonating a police officer, deputies say

A California man was arrested on accusations of impersonating a police officer after he was pulled over for an expired registration in Santa Clara County.

Apr 17, 2024 - 06:55
California man arrested for impersonating a police officer, deputies say

A California man was arrested during a traffic stop after allegedly impersonating a police officer, according to officials.

The driver was pulled over near South De Anza Boulevard and Rodrigues Avenue in Cupertino, California, after a Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputy noticed an SUV with an expired registration, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

The vehicle was equipped with siren lights, according to the sheriff's office.

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"The suspect took it upon himself to get his own vehicle outfitted with the lights," the sheriff's office wrote. 

The driver was found wearing a security uniform with "police" written across it. The uniform featured a duty belt and a bullet-proof vest. He was also wearing a hat that read, "Officer Garcia."

"The suspect did not have a guard card on him either," the sheriff's office said.

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After the driver gave consent to search the vehicle, deputies located two firearms, two batons, pepper spray and methamphetamine inside.

The suspect was arrested for impersonating a peace officer, possession of a baton, possession of a concealed firearm, possession of tear gas, falsification of registration, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a controlled substance with a loaded firearm and possession of methamphetamine.