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Sherman Today
By the People, for the People
Man Arrested for Allegedly Impersonating Police Officer in Sherman
Charles Lightner, 45, was found in a car with police insignia and equipment, despite not being employed by any law enforcement agency.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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A 45-year-old man named Charles Lightner was arrested in Sherman, Texas for allegedly impersonating a police officer. According to the Sherman Police Department, officers received a call from the owner of a company that hires licensed police officers for traffic control, reporting that one of their employees, Lightner, was impersonating an officer. Police confirmed Lightner was not an actual officer, and found him working on the highway in a car with police markings, wearing clothes with 'police' on them, and carrying law enforcement-style equipment including a loaded gun.
Why it matters
Impersonating a police officer is a serious crime that can undermine public trust in law enforcement and put the public at risk. This case highlights the importance of verifying the credentials of anyone claiming to be a police officer, especially in situations involving traffic control or other law enforcement duties.
The details
Police stated they were able to confirm that Charles Lightner, 45, was not the officer he claimed to be. Officers then found Lightner in the 2900 block of North Highway 75 where he was working. Police said Lightner was allegedly in a car with a 'police' insignia and emergency lights. Officers said he was also wearing clothes with 'police' markings on them and had law enforcement-style equipment, including a loaded gun.
- On Monday night, the owner of a company that hires licensed police officers for traffic control called the Sherman Police Department to report that one of their employees, Charles Lightner, was allegedly impersonating an officer.
- Police arrested Lightner on the scene for impersonating a police officer and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
The players
Charles Lightner
A 45-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer in Sherman, Texas. Lightner had a Texas peace officer license, but was not employed or commissioned by any law enforcement agencies.
Sherman Police Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the report of Lightner impersonating an officer and arrested him.
What’s next
Lightner will face charges for impersonating a police officer and unlawfully carrying a weapon. The Sherman Police Department is investigating how long he may have been impersonating an officer and if there are any other victims.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of the public being vigilant in verifying the credentials of anyone claiming to be a police officer, in order to maintain trust in law enforcement and ensure public safety.
