Firefighters in Ocoee say they had to drag a man out of an active blaze on Wednesday morning after spotting him in turnout gear they did not recognize. Police later arrested him on suspicion of impersonating a firefighter, and officials stressed there was no immediate indication he had anything to do with starting the fire.
Fire crews confronted the mystery “firefighter”
According to the West Orange Times & Observer, Ocoee Fire Department crews were working a fire at 922 N. Lakewood Ave. when they noticed someone in firefighter clothing who did not belong to their department. Crews confronted the man, removed him from the scene so they could keep attacking the flames, and waited for police to take over. Officers arrived and ultimately took the man into custody.
Felony charge, open case
Ocoee police told WESH the man was arrested on a charge of pretending to be a firefighter, which the department treats as a third-degree felony. Investigators said the case remains open and under active review. Police also said they have no reason at this point to believe the suspect was involved in setting the fire.
What Florida law says
Section 633.122 of the Florida Statutes, as published by the Florida Senate, makes it a crime to falsely assume the role of the State Fire Marshal, a firefighter, or a volunteer firefighter by wearing a uniform or displaying credentials. The law classifies impersonation as a third-degree felony and cites Florida’s sentencing rules in section 775.082 of the statutes, as detailed by the Florida Senate, which allow penalties that may include up to 5 years in prison in many cases. The statute also allows tougher penalties if the impersonation happens while another felony is being committed.
Local coverage and what comes next
FOX 35 reported that its story was based on information from the Ocoee Police Department and that officials have not publicly identified the suspect. Early coverage included video of officers removing the man from the fire scene, with WESH airing footage of the arrest. Police say the investigation is ongoing as they continue gathering facts about what the man was doing at the fire and why he was dressed like a firefighter.
