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Lakeland man arrested for impersonation of a law enforcement officer
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30-year-old Gamalier Gonzalez Santiago of Banana Road, Lakeland, was arrested last night after he activated blue and red lights, a white strobe light, and a siren on US 98 north of Lakeland behind several vehicles. At approximately 6:20 p.m. Thursday night, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a call from a man travelling southbound on US Hwy 98. The man said he was approached from behind by a car that activated what appeared to be emergency lights and a siren. The driver thought he was being pulled over by law enforcement and then became suspicious. The suspect car, a burgundy 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage, went around him at which time the victim followed him at a safe distance while he was on the phone with PCSO dispatch. The lights and siren were still activated on the suspect’s vehicle and numerous other cars were yielding or pulling off the roadway. The victim followed the suspect car to Sundance Village Mobile Home Park at 1400 Banana Road and waited for deputies to arrive.
Deputies arrived and respond to Lot #145, and made contact with Mr. Santiago. He admitted to deputies he turned the lights and siren on his vehicle while driving it on Hwy 98N. Deputies found the suspect vehicle; there were red and blue lights affixed to the left and right side of the windshield and a white strobe light attached to the center of the windshield. A siren was connected to the vehicle and operated by using the horn. The lights and siren were removed from the vehicle.
Santiago was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public if Santiago has stopped or attempted to stop anyone else. If so, please contact the PCSO at 863-298-6200.
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