Orange County firefighter arrested for impersonating police officer, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County firefighter is behind bars for impersonating a law enforcement office, deputies say.

Anthony Woods also was placed on leave from the Orange County Fire Department

Deputies said it started in what appears to be a road rage incident Sunday around 5:25 p.m.

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The victim told deputies he was driving eastbound on East Colonial Drive after getting off State Road 408 when a man driving a gray Hyundai cut off him and then began to follow him.

Deputies said the victim turned into the Countyplace Subdivision, and while making a U-turn in a cul-de-sac he was confronted by Woods.

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According to the police report, Woods stopped his Hyundai in the cul-de-sac, and got out with a gun in his hand and said, “you almost hit me and I’m a police officer/firefighter.”

The victim told police he feared for his life, so he quickly drove away and called 911.

The report stated that after the victim stopped again to meet deputies, Woods confronted him a second time.

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According to the report, after Woods got out of the car the second time, he overheard the victim on the phone and said “don’t take my tag” before getting back in his car and driving away.

Deputies said that Woods also call 911 during the incident to report a reckless driver.

Deputies met with Woods at a local fire station and arrested him when deputies realized he was the suspect in the road rage incident.

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Woods is charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and impersonating an officer.

Woods went before an Orange County judge this morning. His bond is set at $5,000.

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Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misidentified the firefighter as being from Orlando. The firefighter is from Orange County.