Man arrested for impersonating police officer after pulling over real-life deputy

A Florida man who allegedly pretended to be a police officer found himself in hot water on Thursday when he pulled over an off-duty cop.

Barry Lee Hastings, 35, was arrested in Plant City, Florida on Thursday for “impersonating a police officer” when the driver he stopped was an off-duty deputy from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, arrest records show.

According to the police report, the deputy was traveling eastbound on I-4 when Hastings pulled up behind him in a black Crown Victoria. Hastings’ car had a functional siren box and light setup, with white-and-amber emergency lights activated. There was also a CB radio in the vehicle, but no handcuffs or firearms were located.

Hastings, a technician from Bradenton, Florida, and the deputy pulled over, and Hastings allegedly told him to “slow down.” The deputy challenged him for credentials multiple times and Hastings responded that he had left his identification back at the office. He told the deputy he could follow him back to the "station" so he could show him his credentials, according to arrest details obtained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Hastings changed his tune, however, when the deputy called for backup, says the report. Hastings fled but was subsequently pulled over by a real Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy. While the off-duty deputy was interviewed, Hastings was detained by police.

Hastings was arrested and released on a $2000 cash bond on Friday. Yahoo Lifestyle could not locate Hastings for comment.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Police officers' kind act for woman who couldn't pay for groceries goes viral

• Woman tells Wendy's drive-thru employees she was kidnapped, prompting police investigation

• Heartwarming photo shows little boy jumping into Fourth of July parade to tie officer's shoelace

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.