Merrimack Man Charged With Impersonating Law Enforcement

MERRIMACK -- A Merrimack man arrested last week on charges of impersonating law enforcement and emergency medical service personnel is denying the charges, saying he is a businessman who tried to be a Good Samaritan.

Merrimack Police on Thursday arrested 22-year-old Obadiah Croteau as part of an investigation that began in October. Police say Croteau’s green Dodge Charger was outfitted with an overhead light bar that made it resemble a State Police cruiser, and that on several occasions he arrived at the scene of accidents or disabled vehicles, and gave the impression he was a first responder.

He was charged with felony false impersonation of law enforcement, as well as offering unpermitted emergency medical and trauma services, and operating a security service without a license.

Croteau told NBC10 Boston that he owns Nashua-based Propel Entertainment, which puts on lavish parties and provides protection and bodyguard services. He told the station that he did not pretend to be law enforcement and that he tried to help people using the company's extensive equipment.

But Police say Croteau presented himself as a first responder who was was capable of delivering emergency medical care, as well as part of a roadside service company. A police report said he sought personal information from a driver.

Police say his vehicle also had a mounted laptop computer, mounted cameras on the front and rear windows, and a decal indicating it was part of a K-9 unit. Police say he was operating his company without a license to provide security services, as required by New Hampshire law. Police say he possessed an ID printer and medical course certification cards, which appeared to be fabricated.

Croteau was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Hillsborough County Superior Court South in Nashua on March 21.

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