THONOTOSASSA, Fla. (CBS12) — A 46-year-old man was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say he tried to conduct a fake traffic stop on an undercover sheriff’s office vehicle.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Nadi Jabari on June 24 after a black Chevrolet Suburban activated red and blue emergency lights while following an undercover HCSO vehicle on U.S. Highway 301 North in Thonotosassa.
Deputies said the vehicle appeared to be attempting to pull over the undercover unit. HCSO deputies quickly intervened and conducted a traffic stop on the Suburban.
Body-camera video released with the sheriff’s office post shows deputies approaching the black SUV in a parking lot, speaking with the driver and examining a flashing blue light device inside the vehicle. The video also shows deputies placing a man in handcuffs as patrol vehicles and deputies surround the SUV.
Investigators said they recovered an illegal emergency light setup, an additional two-foot emergency light bar and a firearm during the investigation.
Jabari was charged with false personation, unlawful use of blue light and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
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“When someone falsely presents themselves as law enforcement, they threaten the trust that exists between deputies and the community we serve,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “This individual’s actions were dangerous, deliberate, and illegal.”
HCSO said impersonating law enforcement can put drivers at risk. The sheriff’s office advises anyone who is unsure whether a traffic stop is legitimate to drive to a well-lit public location and call 911.
The investigation remains ongoing.