Deputies: Fake cop had lights, siren in car

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Deputies in Polk County say a suspicious motorist led them to the man who flashed emergency lights and blared a siren as he weaved in and out of traffic last night.

It was around 6:20 last night when deputies received a 911 call about a Mitsubishi Mirage -- complete with blue and red lights, a white strobe light, and a siren -- on US 98 north of Lakeland.  The caller said he was approached from behind by the car, which had activated its lights and siren.  But when it went around him, the driver became suspicious when the car continued doing the same thing to other vehicles.

According to deputies, the driver followed the Mirage to the Sundance Village Mobile Home Park on Banana Road.  That's where deputies caught up with Gamalier Gonzalez Santiago.  They arrested him and removed the lights and siren from the car.

Santiago, 30, faces a charge of impersonating a law enforcement officer.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking for any other witnesses to come forward by contacting PCSO at 863-298-6200.