(WFLA) – A Pasco County man has landed behind bars after he allegedly impersonated an officer and pulled over a real one.
Matthew Joseph Erris, 26, of Dade City was arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
On Tuesday night, deputies say Erris activated some red and blue lights that he had on his grill 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.
It’s still unclear whether Erris has committed similar offenses in the past, deputies said.
Anyone who recognizes Erris or his vehicle and believes they may have been victimized should call detectives at 813-247-8200.
