Male charged with impersonating a police officer

Lethbridge Police have charged a 20-year-old male for impersonating a police officer following a traffic stop on what initially appeared to be a law enforcement vehicle.

On May 9, a member of the Traffic Response Unit observed a black Ford Explorer with a push bar, light bar, LED lights and siren speakers travelling along Mayor Magrath Drive South. The roof also contained antennas similar to those on law enforcement vehicles. In addition, the Explorer was noted to have a “Police Interceptor” sticker on the rear of the vehicle. A traffic stop was subsequently conducted. 

Upon speaking to the driver, the officer noted an ignition override switch on the dash and toggle bars mounted to the centre console, capable of controlling the installed emergency equipment. There was also a search light mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and bars on the blacked out, rear passenger windows.

The driver, who was previously pulled over, warned, ticketed and directed to remove the equipment, was subsequently arrested and criminally charged. The vehicle was seized and towed to the police compound.

Will Nicholas Waddell, 20, of Lethbridge, is charged with personating a police officer. Waddell was released from custody on an undertaking to appear in court July 8. 

In Canada, it is illegal to outfit a civilian vehicle with equipment including red and blue lights, sirens, push bars, spotlights and decals or markings containing “Police” or any official police crest, that could cause the public to mistake it for an active police vehicle. 

While purchasing a decommissioned police vehicle is legal, the owner must remove ALL decals, light bars and specialized equipment before the vehicle can be operated on public roads.