Man Arrested for Impersonating Police After Pulling Over Officer in Silver Spring

A California, Maryland resident was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer after he pulled over a Montgomery County officer who was on duty in an unmarked cruiser.

Melvin Andrew Pinkney Jr., 43, was driving his Ford Taurus when he activated red and blue emergency lights behind the unmarked police vehicle around 12:15 a.m. on Monday in downtown Silver Spring. The officer, who was conducting a special assignment, complied and pulled over.

Upon exiting his vehicle, Pinkney was seen wearing a holster. This prompted the actual officer to activate his own emergency lights. Pinkney then approached the officer and claimed to be working security at a nearby restaurant, stating he was an active-duty deputy sheriff with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and had previously served with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.

However, representatives from both law enforcement agencies confirmed that Pinkney had never been employed by them. Further investigation revealed that Pinkney's vehicle was privately owned and not authorized for law enforcement use, making the display of emergency lights illegal.

Although Pinkney possessed a valid concealed carry permit and was carrying a firearm, he did not present any official law enforcement credentials. Authorities expressed concern that he may have previously pulled over other drivers under the guise of being a police officer.

Pinkney was booked into the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and charged with impersonating a police officer. He is currently being held without bond. Court records indicate he is represented by the public defender’s office, though no comments were available from that office at the time of reporting. A bond review hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

In a related incident earlier this year, a Mount Airy man was also arrested for impersonating a police officer after attempting to pull over a vehicle on the highway.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected by Pinkney’s actions to reach out via the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website or by calling their tip line.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).