Driver Tried To Pull Over Undercover Deputy On U.S. 301, Hillsborough Sheriff Says

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Thonotosassa man on Wednesday for impersonating a law enforcement officer while trying to conduct a traffic stop on one of the agency’s undercover vehicles. (Watch deputy body-worn camera footage from the arrest below.)

Nadi Jabari, 46, was charged with false personation, unlawful use of blue light and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

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Deputies saw a black Chevrolet Suburban activate red and blue emergency lights while following an undercover Sheriff's Office vehicle on U.S. Highway 301 North in Thonotosassa on Wednesday.

Jabari, the driver, appeared to be attempting a traffic stop on the undercover deputy, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies intervened and stopped the Suburban. During the investigation, detectives recovered an illegal emergency light setup, an additional two-foot emergency light bar and a firearm, the agency said.

“When someone falsely presents themselves as law enforcement, they threaten the trust that exists between deputies and the community we serve,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This individual's actions were dangerous, deliberate, and illegal. We will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to impersonate a deputy and use that deception to intimidate or endanger others.”

Watch deputy body-worn camera footage from the arrest:

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