Man Arrested For Impersonating a Police Officer During Traffic Stop on I-17

A man was arrested last week for impersonating a police officer during traffic stop on I-17.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at approximately 8:29 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a vehicle conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 17 southbound near the area of Dove Valley Road (milepost 221–223) in Phoenix. A caller reported that he had pulled over a silver Tesla sedan, occupied by an adult male driver and adult female passenger, using a silver/gray older-model Chevrolet pickup truck equipped with red and blue emergency-style lights mounted on the dashboard (not in the vehicle’s visors).

The caller reportedly remained on scene and stayed in contact with AZDPS while awaiting troopers’ arrival. Troopers responded and made contact with all parties. Upon investigation, troopers determined the caller had no law enforcement authority and was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.

The individual was taken into custody at the scene and booked on charges of impersonating a police officer.

AZDPS says it is releasing this information because of concern that this individual, or someone using a similarly equipped vehicle, may have stopped other motorists. Anyone who believes they have been pulled over by this vehicle or driver is asked to contact 1-877-4AZ-TIPS or submit a tip at azactic.gov/report.

Vehicle Description:

• Older model Chevrolet pickup truck (2500-series style)
• Gray/silver in color
• Red and blue lights mounted above/behind the dash, visible through the windshield
• Driver described as wearing a red polo shirt, dark jeans, and a ball cap

If you are being signaled to pull over and have concerns about whether the vehicle or person stopping you is a legitimate law enforcement officer, Arizona law still requires you to acknowledge the stop and pull over in a safe manner.

AZDPS says you do not need to stop immediately in an isolated or poorly lit location — you may:

• Turn on your hazard lights to signal that you’ve seen them and intend to comply
• Reduce your speed and drive to the nearest well-lit, populated area — a police station, fire station, gas station, or open business — before coming to a complete stop
• Call 911 while doing so, provide your location, and ask the dispatcher to confirm whether a legitimate unit is stopping you
• Keep your doors locked and only roll your window down partially until you’ve confirmed the person’s identity (a marked vehicle, uniform, and visible badge/credentials)