Outside Redlands Police Headquarters on Cajon Street. Authorities arrest police impersonator and investigate shots fired and fraud case in weekly report. (Photo: CFR/File)
REDLANDS — A man was arrested after allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer and confronting a food delivery driver at gunpoint, according to the Redlands Police Department’s weekly update for April 16–23.
Police said the incident occurred Tuesday morning, April 21, when the delivery driver reported being stopped by a man who jumped in front of his moving vehicle while displaying what appeared to be a badge and claiming to be a police officer. The driver, noting the lack of a uniform or marked vehicle, continued to his next delivery.
The suspect allegedly followed the driver, blocked his vehicle and approached him while pointing what appeared to be a semiautomatic handgun. The suspect again claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy and ordered the driver back into his vehicle. The victim complied and called 911.
Officers arrived and detained the suspect at Nevada Street and West Redlands Boulevard. The weapon was later determined to be a replica firearm. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of impersonating an officer, false imprisonment and brandishing a firearm.
Shots fired investigation
Officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire Monday night, April 20, in the 400 block of Courier Avenue. Police located spent shell casings in the roadway but found no victims or damage to nearby buildings. The investigation remains ongoing.
Shopping center crash
A vehicle crashed into the front of an Ulta store at the Mountain View shopping center Sunday night, April 19, after driving over a curb in the parking lot. A woman sitting on a nearby bench was injured. Authorities said several occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee but were later detained. The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.
DUI arrests and collisions
Police reported multiple DUI-related arrests during the week, including a driver taken into custody Monday night, April 20, after attempting to flee a two-vehicle collision at San Bernardino Avenue and Tennessee Street. The victim followed the suspect to Ohio Street and Lugonia Avenue, where officers made the arrest.
In a separate incident early Monday morning, April 19, a driver was arrested for DUI after crashing into a power pole at San Bernardino Avenue and Webster Street. The crash prompted a temporary closure of Webster Street while Southern California Edison crews completed repairs.
Hit-and-run arrest
A driver was arrested Friday afternoon, April 17, on suspicion of hit-and-run after fleeing a collision at Orange Street and Sun Avenue. Police said the victim provided a license plate number, allowing officers to locate the suspect at her residence, where she was positively identified.
Fraud arrest
Police arrested a suspect Thursday afternoon, April 16, in connection with a fraudulent $5,000 check attempt at Walmart, 2050 W. Redlands Blvd.
Officers initially contacted a customer attempting to cash the check inside the store. The investigation led to a second suspect, who was on probation and had allegedly created the fraudulent check. During a search of the suspect’s residence, officers located additional evidence of fraud. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of check fraud and a probation violation.
