Man, 70, Accused of Impersonating Cop

[March 26, 2008]  GILBERT, Ariz. (AP) -- A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after he allegedly pulled over a real officer while driving a black and white car equipped with flashing lights, authorities said.

The incident led to the arrest of Charles Grubbs, 70, after he reportedly pulled over Gilbert Police officer David Bishop for speeding on Saturday.

The car Grubbs was using was so convincing that Bishop thought for a moment that Grubbs was on the job, Gilbert police Sgt. Mark Marino said Monday.

"The officer wrote in his report, 'I thought I made a mistake and this appeared to be a legitimate law enforcement officer,'" Marino said.

He added that Bishop worried after he baited Grubbs to stop him by driving in excess of the speed limit.

But when Grubbs got out of his car, Bishop knew he wasn't legitimate.

"(Bishop) identified himself as an officer and this other guy went, 'Oops,'" Marino said of Grubbs.

For impersonating a police office, Grubbs could be looking at felony charges, Marino said.

Grubbs was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and then released pending a review of the case by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Grubbs told ABC-15 News he didn't pull over Bishop, but he chased him down because he was going 65 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Grubbs couldn't be reached for further comment Monday.

Gilbert police said they have received reports of a car resembling a police unit seen around town.

There were no reports of anyone getting pulled over by someone impersonating an officer.

Bishop was heading to work when he spotted the black-and-white vehicle.

It was equipped with front and back flashing lights, a radio antenna and air horn.

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Information from: East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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