What looked like a routine traffic stop in Lake Elsinore turned into a criminal case this month, after deputies say two men posing as law enforcement pulled a woman into a parking lot during a bogus traffic stop and demanded her ID.
The incident happened on Feb. 22, 2026, near Grand Avenue and Corydon Road when a black Ford Interceptor lit up its red-and-blue emergency lights and flipped on a siren, according to deputies. Investigators later identified the driver and passenger and, during a search of a suspect's home, recovered badges, patches, and other uniform-style gear. Both men were booked on impersonation and false imprisonment charges as the investigation rolls on.
As reported by CBS Los Angeles, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team identified the suspects as 53-year-old Juan Jimenez and 42-year-old Elias Roman. Jimenez was detained on March 5, and Roman was located and arrested on March 10. Both were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for impersonating a peace officer and false imprisonment, CBS reported.
In a Riverside County Sheriff's Office news release, deputies said they responded at about 10:48 a.m. on Feb. 22 after a victim reported being followed into a parking lot and stopped by the vehicle, which then requested her identification. The department said its Special Enforcement Team later served a search warrant at Jimenez’s residence and seized badges, multiple police patches, and other police-uniform items. "This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time," the Lake Elsinore Station said, asking anyone with information to contact Deputy Olson at (951) 245-3300.
How Deputies Say They Tracked the Suspects
Authorities say the break came on March 5, when deputies located the black Ford Interceptor and detained Jimenez without incident. Days later, they found Roman and took him into custody, according to CBS Los Angeles. When deputies recovered the vehicle, it still had emergency lights and an audible siren installed. Investigators have not said whether they believe the men used the car to commit any additional crimes while allegedly posing as officers.
Charges and Legal Risks
Both suspects were booked on impersonating a peace officer and false imprisonment, charges that come with real teeth under California law. Impersonating a peace officer is prohibited under Penal Code §538d and is generally a misdemeanor; the statute is available at law.justia.com. False imprisonment under Penal Code §236 can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, and carries penalties ranging from county jail up to several years in state prison; the code is summarized at law.justia.com. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue felony enhancements based on what investigators uncover.
Why It Matters In Lake Elsinore
Impersonation schemes that rely on fake lights, badges, and police-style vehicles are not just creepy; they can put motorists in real danger. In March 2024, a 70-year-old Canyon Lake man allegedly staged sham traffic stops in the Lake Elsinore area. Authorities advise that drivers who are unsure about a stop should call 911 or their local dispatch to verify an officer’s identity rather than immediately complying with unusual requests.
Anyone who believes they may have been contacted by these suspects is asked to contact the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station at (951) 245-3300, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. The department said it will provide updates as the investigation continues.
