Cop Impersonator Caught Pulling Over Real Detective: Sheriff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- A 26-year-old Dade City man was arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer after he pulled over an undercover Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detective.

Around 8 p.m. on April 17, Matthew Joseph Erris, 26, activated red and blue lights on the grille of his 2007 white Chevrolet Trailblazer in an attempt to pull over another driver, who turned out to be an undercover detective.

The detective contacted 911 dispatchers to report the attempted traffic stop and alert patrol deputies. A short time later, a real deputy pulled over the Trailblazer and arrested Erris.

While searching the Trailblazer, deputies found a realistic-looking airsoft pistol in a holster beneath the front passenger seat. Erris also had a law enforcement light bar installed on top of his SUV.

He was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer.

It is unclear at this time if Erris has committed similar offenses in the past. Anyone who recognizes Erris or his vehicle who believes they may have been victimized should contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.