Crime

SLO police arrests man allegedly pretending to be an officer, pulling over cars

The San Luis Obispo Police Department has arrested a man who was allegedly impersonating an officer and pulling over vehicles in the city.

According to a news release, officers responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at about 11:15 a.m. on Friday near the intersection of Tank Farm Road and Broad Street.

The person who called told dispatch he believed somebody in a car behind him was impersonating a police officer, according to the news release. The driver was attempting to conduct a traffic stop, he said.

When police arrived, they made contact with Edward Hermosillo, 63, of San Luis Obispo.

Hermosillo was driving a black 2011 Dodge Charger equipped with a “police-style push bumper and lighting which was inset in the grill,” according to the release.

He also had two illegal collapsible batons and a police-style tactical vest and holster, police say. No firearms or other weapons were located in his vehicle.

Police say further investigation revealed “there have been similar instances occurring throughout the county with Hermosillo.”

Hermosillo was booked in San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of impersonating a peace officer and possession of a collapsible baton.

Anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim of a similar crime committed by Hermosillo is encouraged to contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 805-781-7312.

This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 7:05 PM.

Kaytlyn Leslie
The Tribune
Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.
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