Crime & Safety
MoCo Man Arrested For Impersonating Police Officer
The man was also cited for the unlawful use of red and blue flashing lights following the Aug. 29 incident, Montgomery County police said.
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — A Montgomery Village man is facing charges after authorities said he impersonated a police officer.
Alejandro Ceferino Zunca, 67, was charged with impersonating a police officer and cited for the unlawful use of red and blue flashing lights following the Aug. 29 incident, Montgomery County police said in a statement.
According to police, around 9:45 p.m., an officer spotted a Ford transit van traveling in the area of New Hampshire Avenue and East Shaw Avenue. The Ford had activated red and blue rear-facing lights and displayed markings such as “Police” and “Policia” on its rear doors.
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The officer determined the Ford did not belong to the Montgomery County Department of Police and did not match the typical configuration used by other law enforcement agencies in the area.
The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Zunca, who initially claimed to be a current police officer. Upon further questioning, police said Zunca stated he previously served in law enforcement but provided no identification or documentation verifying his current or former status as a police officer.
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Zunca was arrested, and a search of his person revealed a fictitious badge and a holster on his waistband containing a replica black pistol.
Police also found the following items during a search of the Ford:
- A yellow reflective police ribbon
- A uniform shirt labeled “HAPCOA POLICE”
- A taser in a holster
- An ASP baton
- A tri-fold wallet containing a Baltimore City police badge
- Handcuffs
- A baseball cap embroidered with “POLICIA NATIONAL”
- An anti-ballistic vest
- A roll of yellow caution tape
- Additional items resembling police equipment
The Ford was seized, pending further investigation.
Zunca was taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was released on a $2,000 unsecured personal bond.
If anyone has come into contact with Zunca acting as an official law enforcement officer, contact the Vice and Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.
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