SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane man was arrested Thursday evening after allegedly impersonating a police officer on the Chumstick Highway near Leavenworth, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) said.
The WSP reported around 6:40 p.m., a male driver in an unmarked silver Ford Crown Victoria tried to make a traffic stop using red and blue lights mounted in the dashboard area.
The other driver initially tried to pull over but was passed by the Crown Victoria. About 10 miles later, on Eastbound US 2 near Dryden, the Crown Victoria attempted to pull the same driver over again.
The driver was able to photograph the vehicle and report the incident to the WSP.
At around 7:01 p.m., a trooper from Moses Lake spotted the vehicle, which matched the description and had a temporary plate.
The Crown Victoria was followed and eventually detained at approximately 7:16 p.m. on Road 5 at Road R, about five miles outside of Quincy.
Photos provided by the WSP of items found within the car include multiple radios/walkie talkies, a handgun, and a rifle with multiple clips of ammo.
The WSP said the 62-year-old suspect was cooperative during the investigation. He was charged with criminal impersonation in and booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail.
The Washington State Patrol emphasized that police impersonation is a rare event. They advised drivers who suspect they are being pulled over by someone other than a commissioned police officer to stay calm, use flashers, drive to a secure location, and call 911 immediately.
