Manchester Man Impersonates Cop With Fake Cruiser On Hartford Highway: Police

HARTFORD, CT — A Manchester man is accused of impersonating a police officer after state troopers spotted a privately owned SUV equipped with flashing red emergency lights and a siren on Interstate 91 in Hartford, police said.

Luis Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 37, of Manchester, was arrested early Tuesday, Sept. 29, and charged with impersonation of a police officer and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, according to Connecticut State Police.

He was released on a $10,000 cash or surety bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 20 in Hartford Superior Court.

At about 12:57 a.m., troopers assigned to Troop H in Hartford saw a black Ford Explorer Police Interceptor traveling south on I-91 before Exit 27 with red emergency lights flashing, police said.

Troopers checked the vehicle's Connecticut registration and determined it was privately owned and not associated with a law enforcement agency, according to police.

After stopping the SUV, troopers said they found Rodriguez-Rodriguez in the driver's seat wearing a chest carrier equipped with a body camera.

Police said he was also carrying pepper spray and handcuffs.

Rodriguez-Rodriguez told troopers he was not a member of law enforcement, according to state police. Troopers detained him while continuing their investigation.

During a search of the SUV, troopers said they found a baton, additional handcuffs, and the pepper spray.

Investigators also determined the vehicle had a functioning siren, according to police.

The items were seized as evidence.

Rodriguez-Rodriguez was taken to Troop H and charged with impersonation of a police officer.

State police said the baton resulted in an additional charge of illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

For information on the case, click on this link.