Man charged with impersonating officer

Suffolk police have charged a man with impersonating a police officer and are investigating possible connections to other crimes.

Eugene Johnson III, 22, of the 700 block of Eric Court, was arrested Wednesday and charged with impersonating a police officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, impermissible lights and reckless driving.

According to city spokeswoman Debbie George, a black Chevrolet Impala with a blue light activated was observed in the 1000 block of Hosier Road on Tuesday, traveling at a high rate of speed and being operated in a reckless manner.

The vehicle was traced back to Johnson, George said. Johnson identified himself to police as a Department of Criminal Justice Services-certified security officer.

The investigation led police to execute a search warrant of the vehicle on Wednesday, George said. Inside, they found items believe to have been stolen, she said, along with a jacket with the word “police” on the back, a bulletproof vest and a portable radio. A firearm was found inside his home.

Furthermore, his DCJS certification has expired, George said. Police believe he formerly worked as a security guard and for hotels in the Hampton Roads area.

The investigation is ongoing, she added.