Leesburg, FL – A man has been arrested after allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer and initiating a traffic stop, resulting in a bizarre incident that left a motorist puzzled and concerned. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect, Juan Pablo Perez Calderon, on charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer.
The incident occurred on August 26, 2023, around 7:30 AM at the WAWA convenience store located on 1400 W N Blvd in Leesburg, Lake County, FL. According to the arrest affidavit from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a concerned motorist reported an unusual encounter involving a vehicle with blue police-style lights.
The complainant stated that he was driving north on US Hwy 27 when a dark-colored Dodge Charger equipped with blue lights turned them on inside the vehicle, prompting the motorist to pull over. The complainant grew suspicious of the authenticity of the vehicle and decided to record the incident on his cell phone. As he approached the Charger, the driver allegedly accelerated, struck the complainant, and left the scene.
Lake County law enforcement quickly identified the registered owner of the vehicle as Juan Pablo Perez Calderon. Authorities visited Calderon’s residence, where he admitted to being involved in the incident. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the Charger had features resembling those commonly used by law enforcement officers, including a push bar, spotlight, and blue lights.
During a vehicle inventory, officers discovered a black short-sleeved shirt with “SWAT” patches on both shoulders and the words “SWAT” on the front and back. Two socks were found on the driver’s side, with one containing .22 caliber ammunition and the other containing 9mm ammunition. Furthermore, two handguns were located in the trunk of the vehicle.
Calderon reportedly confessed to activating the blue lights inside his vehicle and positioning it in a manner that appeared to initiate a traffic stop. He claimed he felt the complainant’s vehicle had hit his car, which prompted him to turn on the lights.
After obtaining the suspect’s confession and conducting a vehicle inventory, law enforcement discovered ammunition, firearms, and law enforcement-related attire in the vehicle. Calderon was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer.
Calderon was transported to the Leesburg Police Department for processing and subsequently taken to the Lake County Jail. He now faces charges related to impersonation and misuse of law enforcement equipment. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the seriousness of impersonating a law enforcement officer and reminds the public of the consequences associated with such actions.
