By Jackson Holtz
ARLINGTON, Va. – Police re-arrested a long-haul truck driver accused of impersonating a police officer after he allegedly flashed a badge and asked for a discount rate at a motel while out on bail.
The man, 51, of Wallace, Idaho, was picked up this morning by Arlington and Lake Stevens police, said Kristin Banfield, an Arlington police spokeswoman.
A friend of the man tipped off detectives to his location, she said. He was arrested without incident.
In the man’s truck, police found a Washington State Patrol jacket, which he’s accused of wearing during his ruse.
Detectives believe the man has for years worn police uniforms and put a police harness on his German shepherd “Sweetie” to gain the confidence of doctors in an effort to get prescriptions for narcotics. He’s also accused of stealing drugs from pharmacies.
The dog was not with the man when he was arrested this morning, Banfield said.
Earlier this month, the man was jailed on criminal impersonation and theft charges. On May 8, he was released on $2,500 bail.
After his release from jail, the man checked into the Quality Inn in Arlington. He allegedly showed the clerk a badge and demanded a special rate for law enforcement employees.
Police employees are prohibited from asking for any such privileges. The man allegedly left the motel without paying his full tab.
He’s accused of impersonating police as far away as Kentucky. Authorities there issued a felony extradition warrant for the man’s arrest.
After the man is booked into the Marysville jail later today, he’ll likely be moved to the Snohomish County Jail to await extradition, Banfield said.
Copyright 2008 The Herald