(NEXSTAR) – A man impersonating a police officer was arrested in Washington state after showing up to an active police scene in an unmarked car with flashing blue lights, and while wearing seemingly authentic police gear.
Footage released by police in Washington state shows officers with the Bremerton Police Department responding to a call at a convenience store in early September when the suspect, dressed as an officer from a neighboring jurisdiction, shows up at the door.
“The male subject identified himself as an off-duty Edmonds Police Detective and was wearing body armor with ‘POLICE’ and ‘SWAT’ logos as well as a metallic Edmonds Police badge,” police wrote on Facebook.
Police are then seen questioning the man, who identifies himself as “Mezzy Anthony Scaletta.” He told police he was an off-duty detective who worked as a security guard for a nearby Salvation Army location on the side.
“We might have called Edmonds PD last night,” the officer tells the suspect, quickly adding that “Scaletta” was not on the Edmonds Police Department’s payroll.
“Say it again?” the suspect says.
“You’re not on the payroll at Edmonds PD,” the officer repeats. The suspect does not appear to respond to this statement.
In the video, the man admitted to police that he was carrying a loaded firearm. He also denied a previous arrest in Washington D.C., in connection with an alleged bomb threat. Police made him remove his badge and police gear, collecting it for their investigation.
“This is insane,” an officer says, laughing, after walking back to his police cruiser.
On Facebook, police identified the suspect as Michael A. Scaletta-Teates, describing him as a convicted felon who had been “committing law enforcement acts in the downtown corridor” of Bremerton.
Scaletta-Teates was booked into jail and charged with “Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree,” according to Bremerton Police.
In their post, Bremerton Police gave citizens several tips for verifying the identity of anyone identifying themselves as a police officer, including asking for their name and badge, and then verifying that information with a 911 operator.
The post ‘Insane’: Video shows officers arresting fake cop who was ‘committing law enforcement acts,’ police say appeared first on KTLA.
