WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Deputies arrested a motorist on Sunset Boulevard after he allegedly told them he was a Homeland Security officer. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says the vehicle was fitted with forward-facing red and white emergency-style lights, according to a report published October 12 by NBC4 Los Angeles.
WHAT HAPPENED
West Hollywood sheriff’s deputies stopped the man’s vehicle at approximately 9:45 p.m. Friday, October 9, because it was missing a rear license plate. During the traffic stop, the driver allegedly said he worked for Homeland Security and that the vehicle was his personal car, according to sheriff’s officials who spoke to NBC4 Investigates.
Authorities say deputies found red and white lights mounted to face forward. When they checked the driver’s identity, they learned he was on active parole. The man was arrested and booked on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
As of NBC4’s October 12 report, authorities said he remained in custody without bail. The outlet did not report his name.
WHAT WE KNOW
Sheriff’s officials have not publicly detailed whether the motorist used the lights to stop other drivers, whether the lights were activated during any earlier incident, or whether he previously presented himself as a federal officer. The absence of those details matters: the available account does not establish that any other motorists were targeted.
Authorities have reported an arrest on suspicion of two offenses, not a conviction. No formal charging decision by prosecutors was confirmed in the available coverage. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The October 13 Pride LA account restated the incident, citing NBC4’s reporting rather than a separate law-enforcement statement.
WHAT’S NEXT
Investigators or court records may clarify whether criminal charges are filed and whether the vehicle’s lights played any role beyond being present at the time of the stop. Hollywood Most Wanted will update this same report when verified information becomes available.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.