Deputies Seek Armed Man Impersonating Law Enforcement: Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Deputies are looking for a man who impersonated a law enforcement officer and pulled over a car for a traffic stop, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

He pulled over a driver around 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 at 8131 15th Street East in Sarasota, which is part of Manatee County, the sheriff’s office said.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 40 to 50 years old, possibly wearing eyeglasses and armed with a handgun, MCSO said.

His vehicle is described as a newer light blue model Ford Explorer with security lettering on the driver’s side door. It also has Tampa Bay Buccaneers flags on the front door displays and a wheelchair rack on the back of the vehicle.

The vehicle had red and blue lights on the dashboard. Given the victim’s direction of travel, it’s likely the suspect came from the Sarasota area, MCSO said.

Anyone who may have had a similar encounter or who might have information should contact the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011.