Update On Watsonville Man Arrested, Accused Of Impersonating Peace Officer

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – A Watsonville man who allegedly claimed to be a Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office employee was arrested Wednesday in Aptos where authorities found three loaded weapons and a Phoenix police badge, a sheriff's spokesman said.

James Heffner was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer and possession of stolen property, sheriff's Sgt. Chris Clark said.

The 61-year-old man was also arrested for allegedly possessing four firearms, one of which was stolen, and a large capacity magazine, Clark said.

Deputies first became aware of Heffner on Oct. 6 when they responded to Seascape Beach Resort on Monterey Bay in Aptos where an employee told them a man was loitering on the property, according to Clark.

They were unable to find Heffner at the scene, but spoke with an employee who told them the suspect showed a "police like badge" and stated that he worked with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, Clark said.

The suspect also showed three business cards that belonged to three county sheriff's deputies, according to Clark.

The investigation led detectives to secure an arrest warrant for Heffner. On Wednesday, a deputy saw a car registered under Heffner's name at The Shops at Seascape Village parking lot not far from the resort, according to Clark.

Deputies searched the area for Heffner, who they found at the shopping center, Clark said.

During a search of his car, they uncovered three loaded handguns, a rifle and large capacity magazine. Deputies also found him with a badge that said, "Motor Officer, City of Phoenix Police," according to Clark.

Investigators couldn't find any record that Heffner worked with the Phoenix Police Department in Arizona and are looking into where the badge came from, Clark said.

Heffner was arrested and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who encountered Heffner as he allegedly posed as an officer. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact sheriff's Deputy Nathaniel Kenville at
nathaniel.kenville@santacruzcounty.us.

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--Bay City News/Images via SCSO