A Pendleton man, identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Becker, has reportedly been arrested on charges of impersonating a police officer, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and additional impersonation charges. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) apprehended Becker after detectives were tipped off about an individual with an active warrant related to firearms, according to a post on the IMPD's Facebook page.
Authorities located Becker on October 25, just past noon, when they spotted a white pickup truck, equipped with emergency-style lighting, registered in his name. The incident occurred in the 1300 block of E. Washington St. near Southeastern Avenue, on Indy's near east side. Becker, who was wearing a reflective shirt and carried a radio and gun on his belt, was reportedly engaging with traffic, entering and exiting his pickup truck multiple times, FOX59 reported.
This isn't the first incident where Becker has been accused of such actions. He is currently under indictment for previous charges from September 2023, when he unlawfully conducted a traffic stop using a vehicle equipped with what appeared to be official police lights to pull over an IMPD sergeant in an unmarked car. The police also believe that Becker was involved in a similar instance during the procession for fallen Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz in August 2022, noted WTHR.
Further to his history of impersonation, Becker reportedly modified several cars to resemble those of the Indiana State Police, with law enforcement officials observing these modified vehicles as far back as 2019, WRTV reported. Upon his recent arrest, Becker's vehicle was towed and he was taken into custody to face his outstanding warrant, along with the new charges.
