Cristian Orea, 39, a Capitol Security Officer on leave, was arrested and charged this week after allegedly impersonating a Minnesota state trooper while intoxicated at a Minneapolis restaurant.
According to court documents, police responded just after midnight Monday to Puerto Ceracruzano on Lake St. E. following reports that a man carrying a gun attempted to enter the restaurant. The man, later identified as Orea, told staff he was conducting a narcotics investigation as an undercover officer. He showed a photo of a badge on his phone that read “State Patrol.”
Restaurant staff noted Orea appeared intoxicated and was carrying a holstered firearm. However, the Minnesota State Patrol confirmed that Capitol Security Officers, like Orea, are not sworn officers and are prohibited from carrying firearms while on duty.
When security asked Orea to enter without the weapon, he became upset and warned them not to interfere with his “investigation.” He also confronted two men trying to leave without paying, placing his hand on his gun and threatening arrest if they did not pay.
Despite Orea’s repeated claims that he was a police officer, staff contacted Minneapolis Police, who confirmed Orea was not an officer and advised calling 911. Orea then fled the restaurant and drove away.
Police later stopped Orea while driving. He admitted working for the State Patrol but refused sobriety tests, telling officers to “just book me.” He failed field sobriety tests at the station and initially agreed to chemical testing but avoided it at the last moment, opting instead for arrest.
Orea now faces four misdemeanor charges: refusing a chemical test, fourth-degree DWI, carrying a pistol while under the influence, and impersonating a peace officer.
He was released from custody on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in Hennepin County Court on July 29.
