WESTERVILLE – Police in Westerville have arrested a man they say was driving a modified SUV equipped with flashing lights and a siren when he pulled a motorist over last month.
Brendon Conklin, 39, has been charged with impersonating a police officer and unlawful restraint after he conducted an unlawful traffic stop near 500 S. Cleveland Avenue, according to a release from the City of Westerville.
Investigators say the SUV Conklin was driving was fitted out with lights and sirens, a mobile display terminal, radio, dash cam, partition and a mounted shotgun.
During the stop, police say Conklin flagged down a Columbus police cruiser and displayed a badge, claiming to be “off-duty” after interacting with officers from Columbus and Westerville.
Investigators became suspicious and started to look into Conklin’s identification and vehicle, which is registered to a nonprofit organization in his name — the Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Program — with headquarters listed as Columbus police headquarters on Marconi Boulevard, officials said.
Conklin was arrested on Jan. 21 and is currently out on bail, city officials said.
Westerville police are looking for additional information. Anyone who believes they may have been stopped by Conklin is asked to contact the Westerville Division of Police tipline at 614-901-6866 or the non-emergency line at 614-882-7444.