Police say a man tried to impersonate one of their own this week. The man was pulled over in Houston and will now face criminal charges after allegedly trying to impersonate a police officer. The man said he doesn’t speak English, complicating the matter.
He was arrested for the alleged impersonation after police pulled him over for having strobe lights in his car. The report indicates that the man was pulled over on suspicion of having multiple traffic violations. Authorities say the man then turned on red and blue strobe lights and indicated he was a police officer after officers asked him. He allegedly said yes, but then told them that he didn’t speak English.
This information might be used to try to convict the man of the charges against him. Much of what you say to a police officer during an arrest could be used in court. However, since this man doesn’t speak English, it isn’t clear whether he understood what the police officers were asking him.
If the police officer did not read the man his rights before arresting him, and he answered their questions without being properly informed of his rights, some of the information they received during that time might not be used against him. If someone is ever arrested and is facing criminal charges it would be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to make sure they understand what questions they can and should answer of police. Attorneys might be able to help you understand your rights and make sure that all investigations are done fairly and legally.
Source: Click2Houston, “Man accused of pretending to be police officer,” Jan. 24, 2012