אין וואשינגטאן האט מען געכאפט א פאלטשע פאליציאנט
Police in Washington state arrested a man accused of impersonating an officer after he showed up to an active crime scene dressed in full police gear, complete with a badge, body armor, and an unmarked car flashing blue lights.
The bizarre encounter, caught on body camera footage released by the Bremerton Police Department, unfolded in early September when officers were responding to a call at a local convenience store. To their surprise, a man walked up claiming to be an “off-duty Edmonds Police Detective.”
The suspect, identified as Mezzy Anthony Scaletta, wore tactical gear labeled “POLICE” and “SWAT” along with a metallic badge. When questioned, officers quickly grew suspicious after confirming with Edmonds Police that no such detective existed.
“You’re not on the payroll at Edmonds PD,” one officer told him bluntly. Scaletta, appearing caught off guard, offered little response.
Police later discovered that he was carrying a loaded firearm at the time of the incident. Officers confiscated his fake badge, tactical vest, and other police gear.
Adding to the strangeness, Scaletta denied having been previously arrested in Washington, D.C., over an alleged bomb threat—though reports suggest otherwise.
The footage ends with one Bremerton officer summing up the unusual encounter: “This is insane,” he said, laughing as he returned to his cruiser.
Authorities are now investigating Scaletta’s actions and whether he may have impersonated law enforcement in other incidents.