Montgomery County, MD – In a close call that could have endangered numerous drivers, Alejandro Zunca, a 67-year-old Maryland resident, has been arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer. Montgomery County police intercepted Zunca before he could potentially conduct a traffic stop using a van equipped with flashing lights and police-like insignias.
The incident unfolded last Friday on New Hampshire Avenue near East Shaw in Silver Spring when an officer on patrol spotted a suspicious van displaying flashing lights. The situation escalated quickly during the traffic stop where Zunca failed to provide clear answers about his identity and role.
How the Investigation Unfolded
According to Cmdr. Jason Cokinos of Montgomery County police, the van bore unusual lettering in both English and Spanish, which immediately raised suspicions. Upon interaction, Zunca initially claimed to be a police officer but then faltered, raising more doubts.
Further inspection inside the van revealed alarming evidence consistent with police impersonation, including:
- A Baltimore city police badge
- Police garments resembling an actual uniform
- A homemade police-like outfit
- A toy gun and other indicative materials
“The lights and the insignias and the different things that they had are a little more than what we usually see,” said Cmdr. Cokinos.
Community Response and Official Statements
News4 attempted to contact Zunca at his Montgomery Village home, but he declined to respond. Telemundo 44 reached out to the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, whose name appeared on the van. The executive director confirmed that Zunca is a member of the organization but clarified that the vehicle was privately owned, which adds complexity to the case.
Legal Consequences and Public Safety Advisory
Zunca now faces criminal charges for impersonating a police officer in addition to citations related to the illegal use of flashing lights while driving. He will have the opportunity to present his side of the story in court.
In light of this event, Montgomery County police have offered crucial advice to drivers who suspect they might be pulled over by a fake officer:
- If you have any doubts, turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911 immediately to verify whether the vehicle behind you is an authentic law enforcement car.
“If there’s any doubt, we encourage people to put their flashers on and call 911. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s a real police officer behind you,” emphasized Cmdr. Cokinos.
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This incident highlights the risks that impersonators pose to public safety and the importance of vigilance on the road.
For more details on this case, visit the source article.
What Do You Think?
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