HARTFORD, CT — A Manchester man is accused of impersonating a police officer after state troopers spotted a privately owned SUV equipped with flashing red emergency lights and a siren on Interstate 91 in Hartford, police said.
Luis Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 37, of Manchester, was arrested early Tuesday, Sept. 29, and charged with impersonation of a police officer and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, according to Connecticut State Police.
He was released on a $10,000 cash or surety bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 20 in Hartford Superior Court.
At about 12:57 a.m., troopers assigned to Troop H in Hartford saw a black Ford Explorer Police Interceptor traveling south on I-91 before Exit 27 with red emergency lights flashing, police said.
Troopers checked the vehicle's Connecticut registration and determined it was privately owned and not associated with a law enforcement agency, according to police.
After stopping the SUV, troopers said they found Rodriguez-Rodriguez in the driver's seat wearing a chest carrier equipped with a body camera.
Police said he was also carrying pepper spray and handcuffs.
Rodriguez-Rodriguez told troopers he was not a member of law enforcement, according to state police. Troopers detained him while continuing their investigation.
During a search of the SUV, troopers said they found a baton, additional handcuffs, and the pepper spray.
Investigators also determined the vehicle had a functioning siren, according to police.
The items were seized as evidence.
Rodriguez-Rodriguez was taken to Troop H and charged with impersonation of a police officer.
State police said the baton resulted in an additional charge of illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.
For information on the case, click on this link.
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