Highland Man Arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer

HIGHLAND-(VVNG.com): On December 18, 2014, at 7:30 am a Highland Station Detective was diving in the area of 13th St. and Bangor Ave. in the city of Highland. The detective observed what appeared to be an unmarked Crown Victoria police unit. The Highland Detective noticed the Crown Victoria was stopped in the roadway and the driver was speaking to a pedestrian at the passenger side window. Believing the driver of the Crown Victoria was a police officer conducting a pedestrian stop, the Highland Detective pulled in behind the Crown Victoria to assist with the stop.

(Photo Courtesy: Highland Police Department)

Once the Detective was behind the Crown Victoria, the pedestrian suddenly jumped in the passenger seat of the Crown Victoria and the vehicle drove away. The Highland Detective initiated a traffic stop on Crown Victoria and contacted the driver.

The driver was identified as career criminal, Kory Charleton, 23, from Highland. Charlton was found to be driving under the influence of drugs and was arrested. He is also on Felony Probation for Grand Theft Auto. During a search of the Crown Victoria, investigators located a police scanner, replica police badge, and burglary tools. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with illegal emergency lights and a siren. Investigators found anonymous police reports identifying Charleton driving through his neighborhood, in the 26700 block of 14th Street in Highland, with the emergency lights and sirens activated.

Investigators are searching for possible victims that may have been stopped or contacted by this suspect acting as a police officer. Photos of the actual Crown Victoria and a booking photo of Charleton are included in this press release for identification purposes.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Highland Sheriff’s Station at (909) 425-9793 or contact the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463). We-TIP on-line tips can be submitted at https://wetip.com/

(Source: SBSD – Highland Police Department)