Police say fake cop busted after stopping real one

[October 22, 2008]  HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Police say a Connecticut man playing police officer picked the wrong person to pull over. Israel Gomez was arrested Tuesday after pulling over an off-duty Hartford police lieutenant.

Police say 20-year-old Gomez turned on flashing lights and used a siren and loudspeaker to coax police Lt. Ronald Bair off the road.

Bair called for backup, and officers arrested Gomez and 20-year-old Esteban Cardona.

Gomez is charged with impersonating a police officer, reckless driving and improper use of red flashing lights. Cardona, who was driving another car involved in the bogus traffic stop, is charged with reckless driving.

They were released on written promises to appear in court. The court says their dockets do not list attorneys.

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Information from: The Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com/

[Associated Press]

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