FREDERICK, Md. (WMAR) — A 57-year-old Frederick man is accused of impersonating a police officer, after an actual Maryland State Trooper caught him in the act.
According to police, James Coons allegedly flashed red and blue lights as if he were a police officer, while he was driving in traffic.
It happened October 30, around 6:30 p.m. on Maryland Route 26 near Dollyhyde Road.
An off-duty trooper was driving in his unmarked Maryland State Police car, when he noticed a car flash what looked like red and blue police lights.
The trooper and other vehicles then pulled off to the side to give the right of way to what everyone thought was an emergency vehicle.
After the lights had turned off, the trooper noticed the car was a 2014 Ford Focus, and became suspicious.
The trooper then pulled the car over, and identified the driver as Coons and learned he was not a police officer.
Coons was released and later served a criminal summons after the Frederick County State's Attorneys Office approved charges.
Investigators don't believe it's the first time Coons impersonated a police officer, using the car. They're asking anyone who may have been a victim to call them at 301-600-4150.
