Man Arrested For Impersonating A Police Officer

Jamie Burch

WKRG NEWS 5

PENSACOLA, Florida - The Escambia County Sheriff's Office arrested a man who was claiming to be one of their own.

Deputies say Michael Gainey walked up to two people outside the Tom Thumb on Cerny Road in Pensacola, said he was from the Escambia Sheriff’s Office and asked them if they had anything illegal in their truck.

When they replied no, Gainey allegedly grabbed one of the victims, insisted he was high and said he was going to “piss test him.” Gainey then went to the passenger side of the truck and began to search the passenger and the vehicle.

Gainey never displayed a badge or presented any Law Enforcement credentials. He was also wearing wearing a green polo shirt, blue jean shorts and flip flops.

The victims gave deputies Gainey's tag number on the Ford Expedition he was driving. Deputies responded to the address from the tag. Gainey, who matched the exact description of the suspect, answered the door.

Gainey was arrested and identified by the victims. Deputies searched Gainey and found marijuana on him. He's charged with Battery, Burglary of a Vehicle, Fraud-Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer during the commission of a Felony, possession of marijuana and narcotic equipment.

Bond was set at $54,000.