State police charged an Olyphant man with impersonating a fire captain as he was interacting with a motorist along Interstate 81.
According to the criminal complaint:
On Jan. 29, troopers were called to Interstate 81 north near mile marker 183 in Scranton, after receiving a report that a man was possibly impersonating a police officer.
Troopers found Samuel Antonio Rodriguez-Ramos, 47, of 131 Susquehanna Ave., who presented himself as an active-duty fire captain with with Snake Creek Fire Company in Susquehanna County.
Rodriguez-Ramos was wearing his full uniform, which consisted of a light blue dress shirt, Snake Creek Fire Company shoulder patches, a gold-colored, chest-mounted shield, a gold mounted rank plate inscribed with “Susquehanna Co. Fire Department, Captain” and dark navy uniform pants.
He told troopers he was on his way to work at the fire company when he encountered a disabled motorist roadside, so he activated the emergency blue and red strobing lights magnetically mounted to the roof of his 2019 Hyundai Kona to render assistance.
He identified himself to the motorist as a public official, namely a fire captain, and gained the motorist’s trust to check his vehicle, collect his personal information and arrange a tow for him.
He did not notify either Susquehanna County or Lackawanna County authorities of his operation, as would be customary.
Officers searched Rodriguez-Ramos’ vehicle and found methamphetamine.
Troopers learned through Susquehanna County officials that the Snake Creek Fire Company had been formally disbanded and de-certified by authority of Liberty Twp. effective in April 2025.
Further, Rodriguez-Ramos had never served at the department and his vehicle was not authorized for using emergency lighting.
He is charged with impersonating a public servant, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and unauthorized use of emergency lights.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 4 before District Judge Joanne Corbett.