(FREDERICK, MD) – Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate after charging a man with impersonating a police officer last week in Frederick County.
The suspect, James Coons, 57, of Frederick, Maryland, is charged with impersonating a police officer and driving with a visible red and/or blue lamp on his vehicle. The criminal summons was issued by the Frederick County District Court on Nov. 4.
According to a preliminary investigation, an off duty trooper was driving in his assigned, unmarked Maryland State Police vehicle at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 on MD Rt. 26 West in the area of Dollyhyde Road. The trooper observed a vehicle flash what appeared to be red and blue police lights, which led other vehicles to yield so that the vehicle with lights could pass.
The trooper also yielded to Coons, initially believing he was a law enforcement officer. Once the lights were turned off, the trooper became suspicious and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Coons was interviewed by the trooper following the traffic stop and released. Charges were filed against Coons following consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Investigators believe Coons may have impersonated an officer on other occasions utilizing a 2014 Ford Focus similar to the one in the photo attached below. If you believe you may have been a victim of the suspect, please contact the police.
CONTACT: Ron Snyder, Office of Media Communications – 410-653-4236
The suspect, James Coons, 57, of Frederick, Maryland, is charged with impersonating a police officer and driving with a visible red and/or blue lamp on his vehicle. The criminal summons was issued by the Frederick County District Court on Nov. 4.
According to a preliminary investigation, an off duty trooper was driving in his assigned, unmarked Maryland State Police vehicle at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 on MD Rt. 26 West in the area of Dollyhyde Road. The trooper observed a vehicle flash what appeared to be red and blue police lights, which led other vehicles to yield so that the vehicle with lights could pass.
The trooper also yielded to Coons, initially believing he was a law enforcement officer. Once the lights were turned off, the trooper became suspicious and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Coons was interviewed by the trooper following the traffic stop and released. Charges were filed against Coons following consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Investigators believe Coons may have impersonated an officer on other occasions utilizing a 2014 Ford Focus similar to the one in the photo attached below. If you believe you may have been a victim of the suspect, please contact the police.
###
CONTACT: Ron Snyder, Office of Media Communications – 410-653-4236