Man Arrested for Impersonating Trooper at Penn Yan Park

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A 40-year-old man named Elijah F. Tretts was arrested at Red Jacket Park in Penn Yan, New York after allegedly providing false information to police and claiming to be a member of the New York State Police. Tretts was a passenger in a vehicle parked at the park after it had closed, and when officers approached him, he gave them a fake name, address, and date of birth before becoming uncooperative.

Why it matters

Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that can undermine public trust and safety. This incident highlights the importance of officers being able to verify someone's identity and credentials, especially when dealing with potential criminal activity in public spaces.

The details

According to the Penn Yan Police Department, when officers made contact with Tretts, he provided a fake name, address and date of birth, and told them he was a member of the New York State Police. However, the police later determined that Tretts was not actually a law enforcement officer. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with criminal impersonation in the first degree, entering/remaining on premises after close, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

• The incident occurred on March 30, 2026 at Red Jacket Park in Penn Yan, New York.
• Tretts was arrested and taken to the Yates County Jail to await centralized arraignment.

What’s next

Tretts will await a centralized arraignment in Yates County Jail on the charges of criminal impersonation, trespassing, and alcohol consumption in a motor vehicle.