Man arrested after impersonating officer during traffic stop, police say

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — A man was arrested after police said he impersonated a police officer while conducting a traffic stop, according to the Casselberry Police Department.

On March 29, Orlando Police Officer Zachary Price was traveling on Red Bug Lake Road near Doster Drive in his personal car when a SUV resembling an unmarked police vehicle pulled him over.

According to a report, Price said he noticed the man, later identified as Omar Forde, wearing a tactical-style vest emblazoned with patches that resembled a law enforcement officer’s uniform.

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Price asked Forde if he was stopping him. Forde told Price that he needed to slow down, according to a report.

Price then contacted dispatch and requested assistance of local law enforcement officers.

Police said when they arrived at the scene, Forde was still wearing the vest along with a holstered handgun, a Taser, a microphone and a white patch that said “Criminal Taskforce," much like an officer would wear.

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Forde told officers he was on his way home from working as a security guard with a private company called “Criminal Task Force.”

While Forde was driving, he said he saw Price pass him in the left lane, and that the vehicle was swerving.

He said he was concerned that the driver may have been driving under the influence and decided to pull him over.

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During the investigation, police found that Forde’s driver’s license was suspended, according to a report.

Forde was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and driving with a suspended license.

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