PHOTOS: Costa Mesa Police
Costa Mesa Police have announced the arrest of a woman on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and are looking to identify any possible victims who may have encountered her.
On the night of Friday, November 1, police stopped a white, four-door 2016 Chevy Impala in the area of Harbor Boulevard and Merrimac Way.
The vehicle, which had been outfitted with a law enforcement light bar and bore CA Exempt license plates, was being driven by 30-year-old Michelle Brianna Hughes of Huntington Beach.
Police say Hughes was wearing a tactical vest with a “POLICE” patch, as well as a utility belt complete with handcuffs, a fake badge, a taser, and a loaded (unregistered) handgun with a high-capacity magazine.
Hughes reportedly tried to claim she was a deputy for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which was easily disproved. She was also in possession of uniforms from other law enforcement agencies and other government-exempt plates.
Though she was taken into custody on suspicion of carrying an unregistered loaded firearm, being in possession of a high-capacity magazine, and impersonating a police officer, she later posted bail and was released from custody.
Costa Mesa Police are asking that anyone who may have encountered Hughes while she was falsely impersonating an officer contact Detective J. Smith at (714) 754 – 5097.
