A Clearwater police officer in Tampa, Florida, has been accused of forcing himself on a tourist, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The officer, identified as 62-year-old Earl Mitchell Cesario, was arrested on Sunday for false impersonation of officials in Sumter County.
Authorities reported that Cesario allegedly attempted to pull over vehicles using his pickup truck, which was equipped with red and blue flashing lights. He was also wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey at the time of the incident. The arrest came after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper learned about a red GMC truck trying to pull over cars with flashing lights on I-75 in Sumter County.
The trooper located and stopped Cesario’s red pickup truck on the northbound side of I-75 near Bushnell. During the investigation, Cesario admitted to having the red and blue lights on his dashboard but claimed they were never activated. However, a witness stated that the truck had motioned for him to pull over before speeding off, leading him to believe it was an undercover law enforcement vehicle.
Upon searching Cesario’s truck, the trooper discovered the red and blue lights, which turned on when plugged into the vehicle’s electrical sockets. It was noted that the sockets already had their covers removed before the test, suggesting that they were commonly used for push-in cigarette lighters.
Following the discovery, Cesario was arrested and taken to the Sumter County Jail. He now faces charges for impersonating a law enforcement officer. Further details about the incident have not been disclosed.
This incident raises concerns about individuals impersonating law enforcement officers and potentially endangering the public. It serves as a reminder for drivers to be cautious when being pulled over and to verify an officer’s identity before complying with their instructions.
As this story unfolds, more information may come to light regarding the motive behind Cesario’s actions and any potential previous incidents. The case highlights the importance of maintaining public trust and the need for law enforcement agencies to take appropriate measures to prevent impersonation cases.
