Arkansas State Police have arrested a Hot Springs man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer after investigators allegedly found emergency equipment, blue lights and sheriff’s gear inside his vehicle.
According to Arkansas State Police, the investigation began around 1 p.m. Friday, June 26, when a Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent, driving an unmarked vehicle on U.S. Highway 79 in Ouachita County, observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe approaching at a high rate of speed with blue lights activated.
The driver, identified as Dennis Truelove, 66, of Hot Springs, told the Special Agent he worked for the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office. The Agent later confirmed with the sheriff’s office that no deputy matching Truelove’s description or driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe was assigned to the department.
The vehicle was later stopped on State Highway 9 north of Holly Springs in Dallas County. During the second stop, investigators say Truelove presented a Ouachita County Sheriff’s badge and identification card.
Authorities reported finding an in-car radio broadcasting on the Ouachita County Sheriff’s frequency, a handheld radio programmed to the same channel, a bulletproof vest marked “Sheriff,” and other law enforcement-related equipment inside the vehicle.
Truelove was arrested and booked into the Ouachita County Detention Center on charges of First-Degree Criminal Impersonation, Unlawful Use of Blue Lights, and multiple traffic offenses.
During a court appearance on Monday, June 29, a judge set Truelove’s bond at $10,000. Arkansas State Police later executed a search warrant on the vehicle, seizing multiple blue lights, a siren and law enforcement radios.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have encountered Truelove or the vehicle to contact Arkansas State Police Troop F at (870) 226-3713.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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