Fake cop pulled over actual cop working in unmarked cruiser, police say

A Maryland man was arrested for allegedly posing as an officer after he pulled over a Montgomery County Police officer who was working in an unmarked cruiser.

Melvin Andrew Pinkney Jr., of California, Maryland, was driving a Ford Taurus behind an unmarked cruiser when he activated red and blue emergency lights, police said on Tuesday.

The officer, who was working on special assignment at about 12:15 a.m. Monday in downtown Silver Spring, then pulled over.

Pinkney, 43, stepped out of the Taurus wearing a holster, prompting the officer to activate his cruiser’s emergency equipment.

Pinkney then returned to the Taurus, police said, and told the special assignment officer that he was working security at a nearby restaurant. Pinkney also said he was an active-duty deputy sheriff with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and was retired from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.

Spokespersons for both departments said Pinkney never worked for them.

“Further investigation determined that Pinkney’s vehicle was privately owned and was not authorized as a law enforcement vehicle, making the use of red and blue emergency lights on his vehicle illegal,” police said.

Pinkney carried a gun and possessed a valid concealed carry permit but did not present any law enforcement credentials. Police said they are concerned that he may have pulled over other drivers while posing as an officer.

Pinkney was booked into the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged with impersonating a police officer. He is jailed without bond, police said.

According to court records, Pinkney is represented by the public defender’s office. No one with the office could be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday afternoon. Records also showed he was scheduled to have a bond review hearing on Tuesday.

State police in May arrested a Mount Airy man for impersonating a police officer after he attempted to pull over a vehicle on the highway.

Detectives ask anyone who may have been victimized by Pinkney to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the www.p3tips.com link at the top of the page. Tipsters can also call 1-866-411-8477.