A man accused of impersonating a U.S. Marshal was apparently busted when he was spotted by … a U.S. Marshal. A real one, that is.
A deputy U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Indiana reportedly saw the suspect, a 25-year-old North Liberty man, at the Arby’s in the 4600 block of Miami Street in South Bend about 6:45 p.m. Thursday.
The suspect allegedly walked into the restaurant wearing a badge, a gun holster and handcuffs. He did not have a gun on him.
The Marshal’s Office had become aware of the case about a week ago, and the deputy at the scene, who just happened to be in the area, recognized the suspect’s vehicle description.
Deputy Marshal Eric Anderson called the South Bend Police Department for assistance, and the suspect was arrested during a traffic stop in the 5000 block of Miami on suspicion of impersonating a police officer.
Another law enforcement agency brought the case to the attention of the Marshal Office’s earlier this month. No additional information was available Friday regarding any of the suspect’s other alleged actions, or how police became aware of the situation.
It is unclear if the suspect victimized anyone as a result of impersonating a police officer.
South Bend police said the suspect’s action had “gone on for awhile.”
The investigation is ongoing. Once it is complete, paperwork will be sent to the St. Joseph County prosecutor’s office for a charging decision.
“The U.S. Marshal’s Service was very concerned about this scenario, and we immediately opened an investigation,” said Pamela Mozdzierz, supervisor of the Northern District of Indiana.
Mozdzierz said she could not release any more information because the case is an active investigation.
Staff writer Tom Moor:
tmoor@sbtinfo.com
574-235-6234
