PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix man was arrested after police say he pretended to be a federal agent while trying to detain someone earlier this month.
Around 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, Phoenix police responded to the area of 25th and Dunlap avenues after a Valley Metro light rail employee called to report that a man, later identified as 52-year-old Jose Ruben Herrera, Jr., was accosting one of their security guards.
According to court documents, Herrera was claiming to be an undercover federal agent with Border Patrol and ICE while grabbing hold of the Valley Metro security guard’s wrist. He was reportedly trying to detain the security guard for “impeding his investigation,” but refused to show a badge or other credentials.
When officers arrived, documents say Herrera once again claimed to be a federal agent, telling police that the security guard needed to be arrested because he “allowed a terrorist who was in his visual custody to get away.” But when police asked for his credentials, Herrera reportedly refused, telling them he didn’t need to prove it because he works for the feds.
Jose Herrera Jr., 52, is accused of impersonating a federal officer after being arrested in Phoenix earlier this month.(Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)
Police then contacted the agencies Herrera claimed to work for, which confirmed he was not employed by the federal government. After he was taken into custody, documents say he became aggressive with officers and invoked his right to an attorney.
Last week, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Governor’s Office issued a joint news release addressing recent cases of suspects impersonating law enforcement across the country.
The release points out that in Arizona, it’s a class 6 felony to impersonate an officer with the intent to get another person to submit to that authority, and a class 4 felony if in the commission of another felony, such as assault or theft.
“Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in the news release. “Impersonating them makes that job even tougher. It puts our officers in harm’s way, undermines public trust, and makes our communities less safe. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”
The governor’s office and DPS also provided tips for residents who encounter potential impersonators:
- If driving, pull over in a well-lit, populated area
- Request ID, as officers are required to carry authorized credentials
- Call 911
- Note details (badge numbers, vehicle type, license plate, etc.)
- Remain calm
“Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and threatens community safety,” said Col. Jeffrey Glover, director of DPS. “Our agency is committed to rigorously investigating and prosecuting anyone who falsely presents themselves as a peace officer. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the authority and image of law enforcement for criminal or deceptive purposes.”
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