A long way from LA: CHP arrests driver of fake sheriff’s patrol car in Stockton
Nothing says “something’s off” quite like an L.A. County sheriff’s patrol car cruising around Northern California.
A man was arrested this month in San Joaquin County after California Highway Patrol officers said he was driving a vehicle disguised as a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department patrol car — while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
California Highway Patrol arrested Kevin Michael Silva on July 6 on suspicion of DUI and operating an unauthorized law enforcement patrol vehicle, according to a Facebook post by CHP Stockton.
A CHP officer working a construction detail on northbound Highway 99 near Yosemite Avenue about 10:13 p.m. spotted what appeared to be a black-and-white Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle partially blocking the shoulder and roadway.
When the officer tried to contact the driver, the vehicle pulled away.
The officer stopped the vehicle near the Yosemite Avenue off-ramp, where Silva, the driver and sole occupant, was arrested.
Silva was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail, according to Officer Itzel Aguilar, a spokesperson for CHP Stockton.
In its Facebook post, CHP said legitimate law enforcement vehicles are equipped with emergency lights and sirens.
If stopped, drivers should activate their right turn signal, pull over at the next safe location or onto the shoulder, remain inside the vehicle and wait for a uniformed officer to approach, CHP said.
If drivers are unsure whether a traffic stop is legitimate, they can call 911 to verify the officer’s identity, CHP said.
