By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA — A retired Atlanta police officer once hailed as a hero said he was looking after a neighbor’s house when he questioned men he saw at the home across the street.
Hours later, Mike McCain, 58, was charged with impersonating a police officer and false detainment.
“Lord have mercy. I’m far from playing cops,” said McCain, of Austell. “I’m lucky to be able to walk across the street.”
McCain suffered a career-ending back injury in 1997 when he came to the aid of fellow officers Rick Sowa and Pat Cocciolone, who were shot while responding to a call. Sowa was killed and Cocciolone badly injured. Atlanta police commended McCain for his bravery.
McCain said a neighbor on Merryvale Court, Ronald Hicks, had asked him to watch his house when Hicks stays at another home in Helen.
Hicks’ daughter, Alexis, 19, said McCain crossed the line when he questioned her two friends Sunday. She, Eric Laudenslager and Christopher Jamieson told police McCain led them to believe he was an officer.
“I didn’t have any right to stop them legally,” said McCain, who said his badge clearly says “retired.”
According to the arrest warrant, McCain asked the men for their names and conducted a pat search of Jamieson.
After spending eight hours in jail, McCain said it was the neighbor, Ronald Hicks, who bailed him out.
Copyright 2009 Atlanta Journal-Constitution