Two Lake Elsinore Residents Arrested for Posing as Peace Officers

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Two Lake Elsinore residents, Juan Jimenez and Elias Roman, were arrested on suspicion of impersonating peace officers and false imprisonment following an incident on February 22 where they allegedly pulled over a victim in a black Ford Police Interceptor equipped with emergency lights and siren, and requested the victim's identification.

Why it matters

Impersonating law enforcement officers is a serious crime that can put public safety at risk, as victims may be misled into complying with unlawful demands. This case highlights the importance of the public being vigilant and reporting any suspicious encounters with individuals claiming to be police officers.

The details

According to the report, on February 22 at around 10:48 a.m., deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station responded to a report of two individuals posing as peace officers. The victim said a black Ford Police Interceptor pulled into the parking lot behind her, activated the emergency lights and siren, and the driver and passenger contacted the victim and requested her identification. The victim became suspicious during the interaction and later reported it to authorities. An investigation led to the identification of the suspects as Juan Jimenez, 53, and Elias Roman, 42, both residents of Lake Elsinore. On March 5, deputies located the black Ford Police Interceptor and detained Jimenez, who was found to have badges, police patches, and other uniform items at his residence. On March 10, deputies located and arrested Roman.

• On February 22, the incident was reported to authorities at approximately 10:48 a.m.
• On March 5, deputies located the black Ford Police Interceptor and detained Jimenez.
• On March 10, deputies located and arrested Roman.

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been contacted by the suspects to come forward.