Search underway for cop impersonator in Cocoa

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County driver told Channel 9's Melonie Holt that he was terrified when a man posing as a police officer pulled him over last Thursday along US 1 and Michigan in Cocoa.

Gustavo Estrada-Molina told Eyewitness News the impersonator flashed a badge and told Molina that his insurance wasn’t current and that his car was about to be impounded.

“I was anxious. I was fearful. I didn't know what to do,” Estrada-Molina said.

Estrada-Molina said the impersonator was driving an Impala, and he thought it was an undercover unit.

Estrada-Molina said the impersonator was clean-cut with blonde hair and that the suspect even played the part. He quickly displayed a badge and wore a white, embroidered polo with the letters "BCS" (Brevard County Sheriff) on it and a name tag.

“He said the car would be impounded if I didn't pay a fine immediately,” said Estrada-Molina.

Estrada-Molina said he explained to the man that he didn't have any money, but he said the impersonator demanded he withdraw $100 from the bank. Estrada-Molina said that although that seemed like a red-flag, he complied and took money out of his bank account, which led to an overdraft fee.

“You don't want to question law enforcement. You don't want to take that chance. I don't think you are an officer, and all of a sudden you’re resisting,” Estrada-Molina said.

Cocoa Police told Eyewitness News that they want others to know that if they have doubts about an officer, they should call 911.

“Every officer conducting a traffic stop has to radio in their ID number, their location and the vehicle that they're pulling over,” said Yvonne Martinez, with the Cocoa Police Department.

“I don't want someone to get preyed on, and it could be anybody.

If it does happen to someone else, I don't want them to be in fear,” said Estrada-Molina.

The Cocoa Police Department said they haven’t had any similar incidents reported. The department has put out a bulletin on the incident to neighboring jurisdictions.

Cox Media Group