HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – A Pasco County man landed behind bars after he allegedly impersonated an officer and pulled over a real one, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Matthew Joseph Erris, 26, of Dade City was arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
Deputies said Erris had red and blue lights installed on his grill. On Tuesday night, he activated them and pulled behind an undercover detective.
The detective called 911 to report an unusual traffic stop and real deputies pulled over Erris a short time later.
A search of his Chevy Trailblazer turned up a “realistic looking” airsoft pistol. Erris also had a law enforcement light bar installed on top of the SUV, deputies said.
He was arrested and later released on bond.
Deputies say it’s still unclear whether Erris has committed similar offenses in the past.
Anyone who recognizes Erris or his vehicle and believes they may have been victimized should call detectives at 813-247-8200.
(Story from WFLA.com)
