A black Crown Victoria was rolling around Albuquerque, New Mexico, equipped with enough police equipment to make a traffic stop look legitimate. The problem was that none of the flashing lights, siren, or police gear belonged to the Albuquerque Police Department.
This week, Albuquerque officers were patrolling when they spotted the Crown Vic. They quickly recognized the car from recent reports claiming that it was impersonating a police officer. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained two people inside.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, two light bars, a PA system, and radio equipment were found inside the vehicle. A black ski mask and loose ammunition were also seen.
The driver was a convicted felon, police said. The vehicle was towed and later searched under a warrant, which turned up a sawed-off shotgun.
The Arrest
In the released body-camera footage, you can see officers pull over the impersonator and tell him to get out of the vehicle. Police arrested him on suspicion of impersonating a police officer.
Police didn’t state whether the suspect actually attempted to pull people over, but an officer in the footage can be heard saying the reports were about someone in a ski mask chasing people. No charges or identities have been released yet.
Another detail: a McDonald’s Happy Meal was in the car. Prompting jokes from some people online, “Guy impersonating a police officer with his Happy Meal,” one comment said.
After a Search Warrant
Things got more serious once police towed the vehicle and obtained a search warrant. During the search, they found a sawed-off shotgun.
That’s a bigger problem given the driver is a convicted felon, though police didn’t share details on his criminal history.
Under New Mexico law, impersonating a police officer is usually a misdemeanor, but it becomes a fourth-degree felony on a second offense. While such cases are relatively rare, awareness is crucial because the potential danger is significant.
A Message
Albuquerque police used the case to remind drivers that not every set of flashing lights behind them is legitimate.
“If you are ever unsure whether a stop is legitimate, turn on your hazards, slow down, and call 911,” the department said. “A dispatcher can confirm in seconds whether the unit behind you is ours.”
A commenter pointed out that this basically means that if you suspect the officer pulling you over isn’t actually a cop, even if they are, you can call 911 and wait for a response. Another person emphasized that the department should advertise the statement more to let others know what can happen.
As always, an arrest isn’t a conviction; everyone’s presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.