Everyone who’s lived in or spent any significant time in Florida knows the distinct look of Florida Highway Patrol vehicles. People know the black and tan combination and pattern of the two-tone configuration at a glance, so a trooper was shocked when he saw a woman driving a Dodge Charger with the same look on the Palmetto Expressway in Medley on the afternoon of October 10.
Check out the outrageous vehicle a teenager used to try impersonating police here.
You’ll notice in the photo the Mopar in question not only is painted to look like an FHP cruiser, it has a blue and white light bar mounted on the roof, has the same black wheels with steel hubcaps, and has similar lettering on the fenders. The only clear difference between it and a true law enforcement vehicle is “FSO Guard” on the doors, something a person might not see if pulled over by this car.
That’s something FHP Trooper Joe Sanchez pointed out to 7 News Miami and it’s easy to see why he would be so concerned. After all, any impersonation of police officers not only is illegal, it’s a danger to the public and helps to erode the trust law enforcement has built up with the community. Left unchecked, people might start questioning of troopers are legitimate law enforcement or not.
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We’ve covered other police impersonator cases before and it seems most when caught either play dumb and innocent or they try “pulling rank” and lecturing the cops who pull them over. What’s different about this case is one big detail: a woman was driving this Charger. Police impersonators are usually men.
This case is also a great reminder that in the state of Florida it’s illegal for anyone who isn’t a trooper to drive a black and tan vehicle like this. The female suspect tried claiming she bought the Dodge at auction as a retired cruiser, not realizing that all auctioned cars are repainted before being listed for auction.
Further questioning by investigators revealed that the woman and husband intended to use the Charger for their security company called FSO Guard, hence the name on the doors. Sadly, many police impersonators are private security guards.
Authorities are asking for anyone who might have been pulled over by this car to contact them with details. They’re also reminding the public to call 911 if a suspicious vehicle tries pulling them over.
Lest you get the bright idea of doing something similar, this woman has been charged with fraud, operating a motor vehicle with no registration, imitation of an FHP-marked unit, and misuse of a dealer license plate. Police didn’t book her, a small favor, but she will have to appear in court. Maybe they figure at this point she doesn’t want to make FSO Guard look any worse.
Images via X, FHP
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