A Mesa, Arizona man who was impersonating a police officer has been arrested after he attempted to pull over two Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers on State Route 51 Wednesday afternoon.
According to DPS officials, two troopers in an unmarked yellow Mustang were driving along SR-51 when they observed a black Dodge Charger equipped with law enforcement style emergency lights visible through the rear window. Troopers ran a registration check, and the vehicle came back registered to a private citizen.
Shortly after, the driver activated the flashing lights and attempted to pull over the troopers who then identified themselves as law enforcement and pulled the driver of the Charger over.
Officials said the driver, 44-year-old Matthew Allen Disbro, was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
“Motorists need to feel confident that when they are pulled over by law enforcement, they are dealing with a state-certified peace officer. Criminal behavior like that exhibited by the suspect, undermines public confidence and makes it difficult for troopers and other law enforcement officers to perform their job,” Major Deston Coleman of the Arizona DPS said.
Troopers said Disbro's vehicle was equipped with a police-style siren, lights, and radio scanner.
Authorities are asking that if anyone has been stopped or pulled over by the suspect or a Dodge Charger with police-style emergency lights to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
