HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man impersonating an officer tried to pull over a real sheriff’s deputy Thursday, investigators said.
Barry Lee Hastings, 35, activated the white and amber lights on his black Crown Victoria around 8:30 p.m. behind an off-duty Lee County sheriff's deputy along I-4 in Hillsborough County, deputies said.
“Slow down,” Hastings said through a radio, investigators said.
The deputy asked for Hastings’ credentials. Hastings told the deputy to follow him back to the station, where he said he left the credentials.
The deputy told Hastings he was going to involve authorities, then called 911.
Hastings then fled the scene. He was pulled over after exiting the highway and detained while the Lee County deputy was interviewed, authorities said.
Investigators found a siren box and light setup similar to ones used by law enforcement in the vehicle. The car also had a citizens band radio.
No handcuffs or firearms were found in the car.
Hastings was arrested and charged with impersonating an officer, investigators said.
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