Fake cop with flashing blue lights busted after traffic stop scare in North Carolina
Hendersonville, NC – A man accused of posing as a police officer and using emergency-style blue lights to pull over drivers has been arrested, sparking concerns that more victims may be out there across western North Carolina.
Detectives with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rodrigo Barrera-Lozada on Tuesday after an investigation by the Violent Crime Unit and Advanced Criminal Enforcement team. Authorities said Barrera-Lozada was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and operating blue lights to cause drivers to stop or yield.
Investigators believe Barrera-Lozada used a dark-colored Hyundai Elantra equipped with functioning emergency lights to pose as police. He is currently being held at the Henderson County Detention Center.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation is ongoing and warned that additional victims may not yet have come forward. Due to the active nature of the case, no further details were released.
Anyone with information related to the suspect or similar encounters is urged to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit at 828-694-3130 or submit a tip through the department’s mobile app.
Key Points
- A man was arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer
- Authorities say he used blue emergency lights to stop drivers
- Investigators believe there may be additional victims