A Yucca Valley man was arrested earlier this week, accused of impersonating an officer. On Tuesday (November 23), the Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) assigned to the Town of Yucca Valley was conducting proactive patrol, at the intersection of Onaga Trail and Church Street, when they located a black Dodge Charger displaying flashing red and blue emergency lights, which were affixed to the vehicle. According to a press release, the driver, later identified as Johnny Mendez, 18, attempted to pull over another vehicle in his Dodge Charger with the lights activated.
Deputies noticed the vehicle was not a law enforcement vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the Dodge Charger. Mendez was contacted and found not to be a law enforcement officer.
Johnny Mendez was arrested for investigation of impersonating a police officer and booked into the West Valley Detention Center with his bail set at $25,000.
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone who may have been a victim of Mendez or has any information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy J. Ortiz and Deputy Carlos at 760-366-4175. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or anyone may leave their information on a We-Tip Hotline at www.Wetip.com.
