Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Robbery Bureau detectives have arrested a man for impersonating a police officer.
He has been identified as 46-year-old Pacheco Bustamante.
Police report that shortly before 7:30 this morning, an MDPD Detective was traveling northbound on I-95, in a County-issued unmarked vehicle, and in full MDPD uniform. Bustamante, who was driving a Ford Crown Victoria, changed lanes and positioned his car behind the Detective’s vehicle. Bustamante activated police sirens, causing the Detective to change lanes.
Bustamante continued to follow the unmarked police vehicle. The Detective, believing he was being stopped by a police officer, pulled over to the shoulder of the road, near NW 119th Street. When the Detective exited his vehicle, he realized he was dealing with a police impersonator. Bustamante was then taken into custody.
A search of his vehicle revealed an H&K BB gun replica and a police blue light.
He was interviewed by MDPD Robbery Bureau detectives, and confessed to them that he had done this to other drivers.
MDPD detectives are seeking the assistance of the community in identifying other motorists who may have been victims of, or may have witnessed, these illicit traffic stops. You are urged to contact the police
