Tennessee Man Impersonates Police Officer After Being Stopped at 102 mph

Darin Lawrence Jr. was arrested in Nashville after driving at 102 mph and claiming to be a Gallatin Police officer — a department that said he had failed their hiring process.

Tennessee Man Impersonates Police Officer After Being Stopped at 102 mph

Nashville Driver Claims Police Badge at 102 mph — But Failed the Hiring Process

A Nashville man was arrested on charges of criminal impersonation of a law enforcement officer after Metro Nashville Police pulled him over for driving at 102 miles per hour and swerving between lanes, wsmv.com reports.

According to an arrest affidavit, Darin Lawrence Jr. was observed aggressively tailgating another vehicle on Saturday night. As officers attempted to catch up with him, he was seen crossing lanes and at one point came close to striking the vehicle he had been following.

Once stopped, officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on his breath and observed bloodshot, glassy eyes. When asked about his speed, Lawrence gave a confused response, claiming he was "on Gallatin" — a street and city the officers confirmed they were nowhere near at the time.

Due to his apparent intoxication, officers ordered Lawrence out of his vehicle. He repeatedly reached into his pockets despite being told not to, at which point he was placed in handcuffs.

It was then that Lawrence began claiming to be a member of the Gallatin Police Department. The affidavit quotes him as stating "I'm at Gallatin," "I'm part of the Police Department at Gallatin," and "I am literally on Gallatin Police." He also said he was a trainee at the Gallatin Police academy and provided the name of a sergeant at the department.

Officers contacted the Gallatin Police Department directly. They were told that Lawrence was not employed by the department "in any way" and had in fact failed their hiring process.

A search of Lawrence's vehicle also revealed an open alcoholic beverage inside the car. He additionally failed his field sobriety test.

Lawrence was charged with criminal impersonation of law enforcement.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)