Crofton Man 'Playing Cop' Pulls Over Real Cop

A Crofton man was arrested and charged Wednesday for impersonating a police officer in Upper Marlboro.

Prince George's County Police (PGPD) said the suspect was driving a white truck southbound on U.S. Route 301, when he tried to pull over a Capitol Heights Police officer, who was driving his personal vehicle near Trade Zone Avenue.

When the real police officer identified himself, the suspect told him he was a military officer from Louisiana, according to PGPD.

The suspect told the off-duty officer he was speeding, according to reports, but the officer told the suspect he did not have jurisidiction in Upper Marlboro and that the blue and red emergency equipment in his truck was illegal in Maryland.

The suspect fled the scene, but was closely followed by the Capitol Heights Police officer until Prince George's County Police arrived.

Police arrested and charged Anthony Kenneth Mastrogiovanni, 29, of the 900 block of Eastham Court, for impersonating a police officer. Mastrogiovanni has been released from police custody.

Police are asking anyone who may have fallen victim to Mastrogiovanni to call the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-856-3130.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 866-411 TIPS (8477), text “PGPD" plus your message to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone, or go to the website to submit a tip online.