Contributed Photo/Courtesy DPS: Matthew Allen Disbro, 44, of Mesa, was arrested for impersonating a police officer after he attempted to pull over two real officers in an unmarked vehicle.
Contributed Article
Phoenix — A police impersonator chose the wrong vehicle to try and pull over Wednesday, July 11. Two AZDPS troopers were on patrol along State Route 51 in an unmarked yellow Ford Mustang, which is used primarily to target aggressive drivers. The troopers observed a black Dodge Charger equipped with law enforcement style emergency lighting visible through its rear window. A registration check of the license plate revealed it belonged to a private citizen.
Shortly thereafter, the impersonator activated his Dodge Charger’s red and blue flashing lights and attempted to pull over the troopers. When the troopers decided not to pull over for the impersonator, the Charger drove alongside the troopers and the driver began yelling and waving his hand at the troopers to pull over.
The troopers then identified themselves by activating the police emergency lights on their patrol vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on the impersonator. The troopers discovered the driver was a uniformed armed security guard traveling in his personal vehicle. The Charger was equipped with a police-style siren, lights and radio scanner.
Matthew Allen Disbro,44, of Mesa, was arrested for impersonating a police officer. He was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office jail.
“Motorists need to feel confident that when they are pulled over by law enforcement they are dealing with a state-certified peace officer. Criminal behavior like that exhibited by the suspect undermines public confidence and makes it difficult for troopers and other law enforcement officers to perform their job,” said AZDPS Major Deston Coleman of the Highway Patrol Division.
Authorities want to know if you have had contact with the suspect and have been stopped by a Dodge Charger with law-enforcement style emergency lights. If so, contact AZDPS at 602-644-5805.
