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ST. GEORGE — A man accused of impersonating an officer had some St. George residents concerned after he pulled them over for supposed traffic violations.
Tuesday, St. George police received a phone call saying a strange car had followed them for some time through the city. The caller eventually pulled their vehicle over, claiming Ruben Wayne Holt, 19, told them he was an undercover police officer and they had committed a traffic violation. He presented no law enforcement identification, Sgt. Sam Despain said.
That same day, St. George police received another call of a similar nature. Police went to the area of the calls, looking for Holt.
Despain said Holt contacted the St. George Police Department later that day requesting backup. Officers arrived on scene and arrested Holt, who told officers he was an undercover officer.
Holt may have some mental health issues, Despain said, but police did not have any record or information confirming or denying that. No drugs or drug paraphernalia were found on Holt at the time of his arrest.
According to court records, Holt was charged Wednesday with two counts of impersonating of an officer, Class B misdemeanors, one count of unlawful detention, a Class B misdemeanor and disorderly conduct.
Holt was charged at the end of October with assault and obstruction of justice, both Class B misdemeanors.
Despain reminded citizens to ask for identification if there is any doubt about someone claiming to be an officer and to report any suspicious cases to police immediately.
