Albuquerque, NM - New Mexico sheriff’s deputies have arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police officer in multiple jurisdictions around Albuquerque. This after reports of a self-described “undercover officer” making suspicious traffic stops and having an odd confrontation with some teenage boys.
Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies reported arresting Joseph Hannah, 34, after two women reported separate incidents of being pulled over by a man in a black mustang – complete with flashing police lights. The man, later identified as Hannah, reportedly showed the women his gun, told them he worked undercover, and then proceeded to flirt with them.
Investigators said that Hannah also stopped his Mustang – with activated lights – at an Albuquerque home where a group of teens were playing ball out front.
“He showed me a badge and a gun so I bought it,” said one of the boys, age 15, of Hannah’s claim to be a police officer.
The boy described the encounter with Hannah – who initially remained in his vehicle – as ‘light-hearted’ but then becoming ‘scary’ when Hannah became irritated. According to police, Hannah then removed his gun from it’s holster, pointed it at the boy and said, “I can shoot you right now.”
“[Then] he gets out of the car, and he’s got the gun and he tells me ‘give me your hat,’ so you know I take it off and give it to him and he just pees on my hat,” said the boy.
Soon after, the mother of the boy who came out of the house and demanded a badge number, causing Hannah to flee.
Police were able to link Hannah to his mini crime spree, in part, because of his distinctive license plate which reads, “PUNISHR.” Apparently, “DOOSHBAG” and “UNSTABL” were taken.
A local news station has learned that Hannah was arrested in Yuma, AZ, two years ago after claiming to be a BATFE agent at a hospital and demanding to see a patient while displaying a fake badge and waving a gun. Yuma police reported that Hannah plead guilty to disorderly conduct in that case.
According to APD, a search of Hannah’s home last Thursday produced four guns, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and assorted police gear. Hannah was charged with impersonating an officer and false imprisonment and is being held on $100,000 bond for each case.
Tags: Arizona, flirting, impersonating a police officer, Joseph Hannah, New Mexico, urination
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