Smyrna Police Arrest Man For Impersonating an Officer

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A Mableton man was arrested earlier this week after Smyrna police say he impersonated a police officer during a traffic stop last month.

John Carmichael was found to be in possession of a “cloned police radio” which he allegedly used to learn of a hit-and-run driver being followed by officers on May 1, Smyrna police said. Carmichael then allegedly activated blue lights on his personal car and pulled the hit-and-run suspect over, then used his radio to contact police.

Carmichael, dressed in civilian clothes, allegedly pulled out a handgun and restrained the driver until police arrived.

The hit-and-run driver filed an internal affairs complaint with the department, which determined that Carmichael “exceeded the scope of his authority as a concerned citizen,” police said. The case was turned over to the criminal investigation unit, which found there was enough evidence to secure an arrest warrant for Carmichael.

Carmichael was arrested on Wednesday and charged with impersonating a police officer, operating unauthorized blue lights, false imprisonment, false statements, and theft of services. He was released later that day on $10,000 bond.