Man Arrested For Impersonating Law Enforcement Officer In Hillsborough County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A man is facing charges after authorities said he impersonated a law enforcement officer while driving in Hillsborough County.

Gamal Said, 28, was arrested Wednesday and charged with impersonating a police officer and unlawful use of blue lights following the incident, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. He was also booked on two out-of-county warrants for probation violations related to a burglary.

According to authorities, deputies were alerted by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office of a suspicious vehicle that was entering Hillsborough County. Authorities described the vehicle as a black Chevy Equinox with red and blue lights.

Deputies found the vehicle around 1:20 p.m. in the area of Dale Mabry Highway and Ehrlich Road. After conducting a traffic stop, Said admitted he activated the lights to get to work faster, according to police.

“Falsely presenting as law enforcement is a serious offense that jeopardizes public safety,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Anyone who abuses that trust will be held accountable, and we encourage drivers to call 911 if they are ever unsure about a traffic stop.”

Detectives are asking anyone who believes they may have been pulled over or told to pull over by Said before his arrest to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.