A man in Osceola County, Florida, was arrested for impersonating a police officer after stopping a teen driver with a vehicle equipped with flashing blue lights.
Authorities said Carlos Barros-Villahermosa, 59, allegedly blocked traffic in a Chevy SUV on Buenaventura Boulevard near Osceola Parkway around 6:30 p.m. on March 5. Barros-Villahermosa reportedly activated blue flashing lights and approached the teen driver, claiming to be law enforcement.
The driver grew suspicious and asked to see credentials. Barros-Villahermosa displayed a badge but did not show a weapon. The encounter reportedly continued in a nearby parking lot, where he asked for the teen’s license and registration and argued with the victim. When the driver requested another officer be present, the suspect left the scene.
Deputies later located and arrested Barros-Villahermosa. He told authorities he is a contract investigator for the Department of Defense and a retired police officer from Puerto Rico.
Officials said he was charged with impersonating a police officer and false imprisonment. The SUV was found to have blue lights and a siren installed.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have been stopped by Barros-Villahermosa while impersonating an officer to contact authorities.
