Norwalk police have arrested a man they allege tried to impersonate a police officer after affixing blue and red strobe lights to his car and illegally pulling over a vehicle, officials said.
Julio Rodriguez De Jesus, 58, of Norwalk, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges including impersonation of police officer, illegal use of flashing/colored lights, criminal impersonation, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, failure to keep narcotics in original container, possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree breach of peace. His bond has been set at $100,000 and he is due in court on Dec. 19.
On Friday night around 9:06 p.m., Norwalk police officers said they were dispatched to the area of Ely Avenue after someone reported being pulled over by an unknown individual operating a Nissan Rogue equipped with blue and red flashing lights.
The unidentified person said that the vehicle activated the lights while following him on Mulvoy Street, prompting him to pull to the side of the roadway. After waiting for approximately five minutes, the suspect’s vehicle drove away without making contact.
Officers responded to the area and located the Nissan Rogue in front of 139 Ely Avenue. The driver was identified as Rodriguez De Jesus. During the investigation, officers discovered a forward-facing dash camera and operable blue and red strobe light bars mounted to the rear headrests. The lights were connected to the vehicle’s 12-volt power port. Rodriguez De Jesus was found to be operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was additionally found in possession of two .25mg Alprazolam pills. The vehicle involved was identified as a black 2020 Nissan Rogue.
The Norwalk Police Department is seeking to identify any additional individuals who believe they may have been stopped or approached by this vehicle or its operator. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Norwalk Police Detective Bureau at 203-854-3011. Anonymous tips can be sent to Norwalk Police at www.norwalkpd.com or anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411).
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]