A man from Montgomery Village, Alejandro Ceferino Zunca, aged 67, faced arrest after being caught by Montgomery County police impersonating a law enforcement officer, driving a Ford transit van tricked out with cop-like adornments. As reported by the Montgomery County Department of Police, an arresting officer, on patrol near New Hampshire Avenue and East Shaw Avenue last Friday night, spotted the eerily convincing vehicle furnished with red and blue lights, and marked "Police" and "Policia."
The vehicle, not matching any belonging to the local police force nor resembling standard law enforcement configurations, prompted the officer to initiate a stop whereupon Zunca first claimed he was an active police man before conceding he held no such position, providing no ID to support any affiliation with law enforcement agencies. During the arrest, he was found with a counterfeit badge and a waistband-holstered faux-pistol, prompting his arrest charge of police impersonation, adding the unlawful usage of emergency-vehicle lights. Zunca was released on a $2,000 personal bond, as detailed by the Montgomery County Department of Police.
On searching the faux cruiser, officers listed items recovered including a yellow reflective police ribbon, a HAPCOA Police uniform shirt, and a mix of realistic law enforcement gear such as a taser, cuffs, and a faux Baltimore City Police badge among other items. The Ford has been impounded as investigations proceed, with the Montgomery County authorities calling on any individuals who might have encountered Zunca posing as a police officer to reach out to the Vice and Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.
Authorities say Zunca collected authentic-looking police gear, including a POLICIA NATIONAL cap and an anti-ballistic vest, closely resembling real officers. Officials are asking anyone with information about Zunca’s actions to come forward.
