Last week, police in California’s Central Valley arrested a man on suspicion of impersonating a federal agents. Deputies said he had a collection of crude law enforcement equipment and outfits, which they called “disturbing.”
Andrew Biscay, 40, was arrested Friday on suspicion of impersonating a US Marshal, possessing a makeshift weapon, and other felonies, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of a family disturbance near Avenue 12 and Road 22, which prompted a vehicle search that yielded the law enforcement gear, much of which was handmade. Biscay, 40, was arrested for outstanding vandalism warrants and suspected of impersonating an officer.
The Sheriff’s Office’s online photos show a Ford F-150 with a star on the driver’s side door, an improvised pistol with a spring-action barrel and ammunition, and a fake U.S. Marshal’s uniform with coarsely painted credentials.
Biscay was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, and bail was set at $70,000, according to authorities.
The arrest comes weeks after Vance Boelter, 57, allegedly posed as a police officer and fatally shot a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband at their home. In March, a Riverside man was arrested on suspicion of pulling over innocent drivers.
Many Southern California residents are concerned about law enforcement agents who flash weapons but do not wear badges or identifiable uniforms, drive unmarked vehicles, or cover their faces. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office could not be reached immediately for comment on Biscay’s possible motivations.
Anyone in Madera County who suspects they have encountered someone impersonating law enforcement is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.
Reference: California man arrested with a fake gun, uniform and badge, police say. He faces felony charges