Most car enthusiasts appreciate a good sleeper build, a vehicle that looks ordinary but hides something unexpected under the hood. What you don’t see very often is someone going in the opposite direction by making an SUV look like an active law enforcement patrol vehicle. That’s exactly what caught the attention of a California Highway Patrol officer outside Stockton earlier this month.
On the night of July 6, a CHP officer working a construction detail on northbound State Route 99 near the Yosemite Avenue off-ramp spotted what appeared to be a black-and-white Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle stopped partially on the shoulder and roadway. It looked convincing at first glance, but CHP determined it was not an authorized law-enforcement patrol vehicle.
As the officer attempted to make contact, the driver pulled away before being stopped at the Yosemite Avenue off-ramp. Officers identified the driver as 33-year-old Kevin Michael Silva, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and operating an unauthorized law enforcement patrol vehicle.
The unusual arrest has also raised questions about retired police vehicles, replica patrol cars, and how closely a civilian-owned vehicle can resemble an active law enforcement cruiser before it crosses the legal line.
How Do You Even End Up With a Car Like This
CHP has not explained how Silva obtained the SUV or whether investigators believe it had ever been used to stop motorists or otherwise impersonate law enforcement before the traffic stop.
California law generally requires law enforcement agencies selling former patrol vehicles to remove identifying markings and repaint them so they no longer resemble active police vehicles before they return to public roads. Limited exceptions exist for movie productions, museums, and certain historic vehicles, but vehicles that closely resemble active patrol units generally cannot be legally operated on public roads.
CHP Used the Arrest as a Safety Reminder
Along with announcing the arrest, CHP used the incident to remind drivers what to do if they are ever uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate.
The agency said authentic patrol vehicles are equipped with emergency lights and a siren. If you are being pulled over, CHP recommends activating your right-turn signal to acknowledge the officer, continuing to the nearest safe, well-lit location if necessary, remaining inside your vehicle with your hands visible, and waiting for the officer to approach.
If something doesn’t seem right, CHP says drivers should call 911 to verify the stop. Dispatchers can confirm whether the vehicle attempting the stop is being operated by a legitimate law enforcement officer.
Silva was booked following the arrest. At this time, CHP has not announced any additional allegations beyond the charges related to driving under the influence and operating an unauthorized law enforcement patrol vehicle.