Man Accused Of Impersonating Police Officer Arrested In Highland

HIGHLAND (CBSLA.com) — A 23-year-old man accused of impersonating a police officer has been arrested in Highland.

Kory Adam Charleton of Highland is accused of illegally pulling people over while driving a white Crown Victoria, Highland police said in a statement.

Charleton was taken into custody Thursday morning after an officer observed him conducting a stop, police said.

The statement said the man got back into the Crown Victoria and drove away once the detective pulled up.

The detective subsequently conducted a traffic stop and detained the man police identified as Charleton on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

Police described Charleton as a "career criminal" and said he was on probation for grand-theft auto.

"During a search of the Crown Victoria, investigators located a police scanner, replica police badge and burglary tools," police said in the statement. "The Crown Victoria was also equipped with illegal emergency lights and a siren."

Meanwhile, a family member at Charleton's home says officers have it all wrong and that he wasn't doing anything illegal.

Acquaintances in the neighborhood told KCAL9's Crystal Cruz that Charleton was once a security guard. They described him as a nice guy.

"He does mean well. Unfortunately, he's a young kid and acts on wrong reasons, I guess," said Scott Marquez, an acquaintance.

Anyone with more information about this case was asked to call the Highland Sheriff's Station at (909) 425-9793 or the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463).